How Long is Expressed Milk Good For?
As a breastfeeding mother, expressing your milk can be a wonderful way to provide for your baby’s needs, even when you’re not together. However, it’s essential to know how to store and handle expressed breast milk to ensure its quality and safety. In this article, we’ll answer the question, "How long is expressed milk good for?" and provide tips on how to store it properly.
Direct Answer: How Long is Expressed Milk Good For?
The shelf life of expressed breast milk depends on several factors, including storage conditions, method of storage, and freezing techniques. As a general rule, when stored properly, expressed milk can last:
- Room temperature (up to 4 hours): 4 hours
- Refrigerated (up to 24 hours): 24 hours
- Frozen (-18°C or 0°F): 3-6 months, but best quality until 2 months
- Frozen (-20°C or -4°F): 6-12 months, but best quality until 3 months
- Frozen (-35°C or -31°F): 12 months or more, but best quality until 9 months
Storage Methods and Conditions
To store expressed milk safely and maintain its quality, follow these guidelines:
- Cooler with ice packs (up to 4 hours): Store the cooler in a shaded area or in the car, ensuring the ice packs remain in contact with the milk.
- Refrigerator (up to 24 hours): Store the milk in a clean container with a tight-fitting lid, and keep it at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 4°C or 39°F.
- Important: Store milk in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf.
- Do not mix old and new milk. Label each container with the date and time to ensure you use the oldest milk first.
- Freezer (-18°C or 0°F to -35°C or -31°F): Freeze the milk in a clean, airtight container or freezer bag, using a freezer thermometer to check the temperature.
- Important: Label the container or bag with the date and time, and store it in the freezer at a consistent temperature below -18°C or 0°F.
Tips for Freezing Expressed Milk
When freezing expressed milk, follow these best practices:
- Freeze in small quantities: Freeze milk in 1/4 cup (60mL) or 1/2 cup (120mL) portions to make it easier to thaw and use only what your baby needs.
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags: Eliminate air from the containers or bags to prevent bacterial growth and freezer burn.
- Label and store correctly: Label each container or bag with the date and time, and store them in a consistent freezer temperature below -18°C or 0°F.
Thawing and Discarding Expressed Milk
When thawing expressed milk, follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerator thawing: Leave the milk in the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly and safely.
- Warming: Warm the thawed milk by placing it in a bowl of warm water or by using a refrigerator thermometer to check the temperature.
- Discarding: Discard any leftover milk that has been refrigerated for more than 24 hours or frozen for more than 3 months.
Conclusion
As a breastfeeding mother, expressed milk can be a life-saver for your baby. By understanding how long expressed milk is good for and following proper storage, handling, and thawing techniques, you can maintain the quality and safety of your milk. Remember to always check the milk’s appearance, smell, and taste before feeding it to your baby, and discard any milk that does not meet these standards.
Additional Tips:
- Express breast milk in a clean, sanitized environment to prevent contamination.
- Freeze milk as soon as possible after expressing to prevent bacterial growth.
- Keep a record of the date and time you expressed and stored your milk to ensure you use the oldest milk first.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently store and use expressed breast milk to nourish your baby for months to come.