Breast Milk Storage 101

Breast milk is a precious resource (liquid gold) that provides essential nutrients to babies in their early months of life. However, as a breastfeeding mother, you may find it necessary to pump and store your breast milk for a variety of reasons, such as returning to work or needing to be away from your baby for an extended period. Proper storage of breast milk is crucial to ensure its safety and nutritional value. In this article, we will explore some best practices for breast milk storage.

1. Choose the right container: Breast milk can be stored in glass or plastic bottles or bags that are specifically designed for breast milk storage. Make sure the container is clean, BPA-free, and has a secure lid or closure.

2. Label and date: Label each container with the date and time of expression to ensure that the oldest milk is used first.

3. Store in the right amount: Store breast milk in small amounts, such as 2-4 ounces, to avoid waste and to ensure that the baby will finish the milk within 24 hours of opening the container. Trust me I learned this the hard way and while pumping hurts, nothing hurts more than throwing away your hard-worked milk!

4. Store in the right temperature: Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for up to 6-12 months. Make sure to store the breast milk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, as the temperature is more consistent than in the door.

5. Use a freezer bag for longer storage: If you need to store breast milk for an extended period, use a freezer bag specifically designed for breast milk storage. Squeeze out as much air as possible and leave some room at the top for the milk to expand during freezing.

6. Thaw milk properly: Thaw breast milk in the refrigerator or under warm running water, and use within 24 hours of thawing. Do not use a microwave to thaw breast milk, as it can heat unevenly and destroy the nutrients.

7. Use the oldest milk first: When using stored breast milk, use the oldest milk first, and discard any leftover milk that the baby has not finished within 2 hours of feeding.

Proper storage of breast milk is essential to ensure its safety and nutritional value for your baby. By following these best practices, you can rest assured that your stored breast milk is safe for your baby to consume!

xo, Taira!