Storing and Preparing Breastmilk: CDC Guidelines (2023)

Bottle feedingBreastfeedingLactation ConsultantNewbornsLactation
Written By Erica Rampant

Breastmilk Storage Tips

Check out this adorable milk storage magnet! This is a handy guide on breast milk storage guidelines by the CDC. I give out these out to breastfeeding client as refrigerator magnets. I know that with a baby the sleep deprivation is real. I hope these are helpful for remembering how long to store your expressed breast milk.

Breastmilk Storage

If you have just pumped milk, it can be be stored at room temperature for 4 hours before it needs to be discarded. If it’s placed in the refrigerator, it can be kept for 4 days. If it’s in a freezer with its own separate section (not within a refrigerator compartment), then it can be stored for 6-12 months. If you have a stand alone freezer / deep freezer, it can be kept even longer.

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.html

How to thaw and warm breast milk

Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare a bottle of breastmilk. There are several good ways to thaw frozen breast milk to minimize the loss of nutritional factors.

The best way to thaw breastmilk to is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also run it under warm water, or set it in a bowl of water. It’s important to know that you should never heat breast milk in the microwave. This can create hot spots and burn your baby. Here are the bullet points of how to prepare a bottle of breastmilk.

1. Clean feeding devices with soap and water, and let air dry

2. Use fresh milk first - it contains current maternal secretory IgA (good for immunity)

3. To thaw frozen milk - place in refrigerator overnight, run it under warm water or set in a container of warm water

4. Don't use the microwave for heating!

5. Use thawed milk within 24hrs, should not be left out at room temp for more than 2hrs

6. If baby doesn't finish the bottle discard the remaining milk within 1-2 hrs

7. MILK THAT APPEARS STRINGY OR FOUL SHOULD BE DISCARDED

Do you have questions about feeding your baby or development? I specialize in pediatric craniosacral therapy, pre-crawling infant milestones, breastfeeding and bottlefeeding. I offer free phone consultations. Fill out a quick questionnaire and you can self schedule a free discovery call.

Want to learn more about bottle feeding? Check out the archive

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