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If your milk is used within 8 days, keep it in the fridge. Otherwise, plan to freeze it in the coldest part of the freezer. Avoid the door. |
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| MILK STORAGE GUIDE |
| Use this chart as a basic guide for storing your milk. |
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| Storage Time for Human Milk* |
Deep Freeze
(0°F/
-18°C) |
Refrigerator Freezer
(variable
0°F/-18°C) |
Refrigerator
(39°F/4°C) |
Cooler with Ice Packs Frozen
(59°F/15°C) |
Room Temperature |
(66°F-72°F)
(19°C-22°C) |
(72°F-79°F)
(22°C-26°C) |
| Fresh |
Up to 12 Months |
3-4 Months |
8 Days |
24 Hours |
6-10 Hours |
4 Hours |
| Frozen, Thawed in Fridge |
Do Not Refreeze |
Do Not Refreeze |
24 Hours |
Do Not Store |
4 Hours |
4 Hours |
| Thawed, Warmed, Not Fed |
Do Not Refreeze |
Do Not Refreeze |
4 Hours |
Do Not Store |
Until Feeding Ends |
Until Feeding Ends |
| Warmed, Fed |
Discard |
Discard |
Discard |
Discard |
Until Feeding Ends |
Until Feeding Ends |
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| * Storage times may vary for premature or sick babies. Sources: Jones, F. and M.R.. Tully, Best Practice for Expressing, Storing and Handling Human Milk in Hospitals, Homes and Child Care Settings. Raleigh, NC: Human Milk Banking Association of North America, 2006; Mohrbacher, N. and J. Stock, The Breastfeeding Answer Book. Schaumburg, IL: La Leche League International, 2003. |
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| Milk should not spoil before the times listed above, but the longer milk is stored, the more nutritional value is lost. |
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| The living parts of a mother's milk kill bacteria, making it much hardier and longer-lasting. |
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| This is general information and does not replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away. |
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Every baby is different, and your baby may not be average.
If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider. |
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