How Long Can Expressed Breast Milk Stay in the Fridge?
Expressed breast milk can typically stay in the refrigerator for up to four days if stored properly; however, optimal safety and quality are best achieved by using it within 72 hours (3 days).
The Importance of Safe Breast Milk Storage
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal way to nourish infants. When direct breastfeeding is not possible, expressed breast milk offers a valuable alternative, preserving the unique benefits of human milk for babies. Proper storage is paramount to ensure that expressed breast milk remains safe, nutritious, and free from bacterial contamination. Incorrect storage can compromise the milk’s nutritional value and potentially expose the infant to harmful bacteria, leading to illness.
Benefits of Expressed Breast Milk
Expressing breast milk provides several key advantages:
- Continued breastfeeding benefits: Allows infants to receive the immunological and nutritional advantages of breast milk even when direct breastfeeding isn’t feasible.
- Flexibility for mothers: Enables mothers to return to work, travel, or pursue other commitments while still providing breast milk for their babies.
- Opportunity for other caregivers to bond: Allows partners, grandparents, or other caregivers to participate in feeding the baby.
- Milk supply maintenance: Helps to stimulate milk production, particularly when the baby is unable to nurse directly.
Expressing Breast Milk: A Step-by-Step Guide
Proper technique is essential for successful expression. Whether using a manual or electric pump, or hand expression, following these steps can help:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before expressing.
- Ensure all pump parts (flanges, bottles) and storage containers are clean and sanitized.
- Find a comfortable and relaxing location to express milk.
- Stimulate let-down by massaging your breasts gently.
- Begin expressing milk, ensuring the flange is properly positioned on your breast.
- Collect the milk in a clean, sanitized container.
- Label the container with the date and time of expression.
- Refrigerate or freeze the milk as soon as possible after expressing.
Choosing the Right Storage Container
Selecting appropriate storage containers is crucial for maintaining breast milk quality. Ideal options include:
- Breast milk storage bags: Specifically designed for freezing breast milk.
- Hard plastic containers: Made from BPA-free plastic.
- Glass containers: A safe and durable alternative.
Avoid using disposable bottle liners or storage bags not specifically designed for breast milk, as they may leak or contaminate the milk.
Factors Affecting Storage Time
Several factors can influence how long expressed breast milk remains safe in the refrigerator:
- Cleanliness: Maintaining strict hygiene during expression and storage is critical.
- Storage temperature: Consistent refrigerator temperature is essential.
- Initial bacterial load: Milk expressed with meticulous hygiene will typically last longer.
- Refrigeration time after pumping: The faster the milk is refrigerated, the longer it will last.
Breast Milk Storage Guidelines: A Quick Reference
| Storage Location | Temperature | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 77°F (25°C) or cooler | Up to 4 hours |
| Refrigerator | 40°F (4°C) or colder | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer Compartment | Variable temperature | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer (Separate Door) | 0°F (-18°C) or colder | 6-12 months (Optimal at 6) |
| Deep Freezer | 0°F (-18°C) or colder, consistent temperature | 12+ months (still safe to use) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common errors can help preserve breast milk quality:
- Leaving milk at room temperature for extended periods: Always refrigerate or freeze milk promptly.
- Storing milk in the door of the refrigerator: Temperature fluctuations in the door can reduce storage time.
- Refreezing thawed breast milk: Once breast milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen.
- Heating breast milk in the microwave: Microwaving can destroy nutrients and create hot spots.
Thawing and Warming Breast Milk
Proper thawing and warming techniques are essential to preserve nutrients.
- Thawing: Thaw breast milk in the refrigerator overnight, or under cool running water.
- Warming: Warm breast milk by placing the container in a bowl of warm water or using a bottle warmer.
- Avoid boiling or microwaving breast milk, as this can destroy nutrients and create hot spots.
- Gently swirl the milk to redistribute any fat that has separated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I mix freshly expressed breast milk with refrigerated milk?
Yes, you can. However, cool the freshly expressed milk in the refrigerator before adding it to the already refrigerated milk. This helps to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the older milk from warming up.
What if my baby doesn’t finish a bottle of expressed breast milk?
Breast milk that has been partially consumed should be used within 1-2 hours of the start of the feeding due to potential bacterial contamination from the baby’s saliva. Discard any remaining milk after this time.
How can I tell if my breast milk has gone bad?
Spoiled breast milk will typically have a sour smell or a changed consistency. Taste it (a small amount) before feeding it to your baby; if it tastes off, discard it. Do not use any milk that you suspect has spoiled.
Does freezing breast milk affect its nutritional value?
Freezing can slightly reduce the concentration of certain nutrients, such as Vitamin C. However, the overall nutritional benefits of frozen breast milk still far outweigh the benefits of formula.
Can I refreeze breast milk that has started to thaw?
No, you should not refreeze breast milk that has already begun to thaw. The process of thawing and refreezing can promote bacterial growth and degrade the quality of the milk.
What is the best way to label breast milk storage containers?
Use waterproof labels and include the date and time the milk was expressed. If sending to daycare, also include the baby’s name.
How should I store breast milk when traveling?
Use an insulated cooler bag with ice packs to keep the breast milk cold. Follow the same storage guidelines as you would at home. Aim to refrigerate or freeze the milk as soon as possible upon arrival.
Is it normal for breast milk to separate in the refrigerator?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for breast milk to separate into layers of fat and watery milk. Gently swirl the milk to remix it before feeding.
What temperature should I warm breast milk to?
Breast milk should be warmed to body temperature or slightly warmer (around 98.6°F or 37°C). It’s not necessary to warm the milk; many babies will happily drink it cold or at room temperature.
How long can I keep breast milk in a cooler bag with ice packs?
Breast milk can be safely stored in a cooler bag with ice packs for up to 24 hours. Ensure that the ice packs keep the milk cold and below 40°F (4°C).
What should I do if I accidentally left breast milk out at room temperature for too long?
If breast milk has been left at room temperature for longer than 4 hours, it should be discarded. The risk of bacterial growth is too high to safely feed it to your baby. Err on the side of caution.
Does medication I’m taking affect the safety of my expressed breast milk?
Consult with your doctor or a lactation consultant regarding the safety of your breast milk while taking medication. Some medications are safe for breastfeeding, while others may not be. Always seek professional advice.