How do you store breast milk in the workplace?

Storing Breast Milk in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide
Returning to work after having a baby can be a challenging transition, especially for breastfeeding mothers. One of the key concerns is how to effectively store expressed breast milk while at work. Understanding the best practices for storage not only ensures the milk remains safe for your baby but also helps mothers maintain their breastfeeding routine.
Understanding the Basics of Breast Milk Storage
When expressing breast milk, it’s crucial to store it properly to prevent spoilage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear guidelines on how to store breast milk safely. Ideally, breast milk should be stored in clean, BPA-free containers such as glass or hard plastic bottles, or in freezer bags designed for breast milk storage. Each container should hold 2 to 4 ounces of milk, which is typically the amount a baby consumes in one feeding. It’s important to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container, as breast milk expands when frozen.
Temperature Guidelines for Storage
The temperature at which breast milk is stored significantly affects its safety and quality. Here are the general guidelines:
– Room Temperature: Breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to four hours. This is particularly useful if you need to express milk during a busy workday.

– Refrigeration: If you have access to a refrigerator at work, breast milk can be stored there for up to four days. Make sure to place it in the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most consistent.
– Freezing: For longer storage, breast milk can be frozen for up to six months in a standard freezer, and up to 12 months in a deep freezer. When freezing, ensure that the milk is in appropriate containers and remember to leave space for expansion.
Using Coolers for On-the-Go Storage
For mothers who may not have immediate access to refrigeration, a small cooler with ice packs can be a lifesaver. Milk stored in a cooler can remain safe for up to 24 hours. This method is particularly useful for those who travel for work or have long commutes.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Employers are encouraged to support breastfeeding mothers by providing designated areas for pumping and storing milk. The Department of Labor highlights the importance of workplace policies that protect the rights of nursing mothers, ensuring they have the time and space needed to express milk comfortably.
Best Practices for Expressing and Storing Milk
1. Hygiene is Key: Always wash your hands before expressing milk and ensure that all equipment is clean.

2. Label Containers: Clearly label each container with the date and time the milk was expressed. This helps in managing the milk’s freshness and ensures that older milk is used first.
3. Avoid Mixing Fresh and Frozen Milk: If you’re combining milk from different pumping sessions, ensure that the milk is cooled before adding it to previously frozen milk to maintain safety.
4. Transporting Milk: When transporting expressed milk home, keep it in a cooler with ice packs to maintain a safe temperature until you can refrigerate it.
By following these guidelines, breastfeeding mothers can confidently manage their milk storage while navigating the demands of the workplace. This not only supports their breastfeeding goals but also contributes to the health and well-being of their babies.

What are the do’s and don’ts of storing breast milk?

Never store breast milk in disposable bottle liners or plastic bags that are not intended for storing breast milk. Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How do you store breast milk while at work?

In an insulated cooler: You can store and carry freshly expressed milk in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. Once you get home use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it.

Can you pump into the same bottle all day?

Can you pump into the same bottle all day? Yes, you can pump into the same bottle within a 4-hour timeframe if the milk is kept at room temperature after pumping.

What are the rules for breastfeeding at work?

Federal laws require employers to provide “reasonable break time” for nursing mothers with private, non-bathroom areas, shielded from view and free from intrusion of coworkers and the public to express breast milk during the workday.

How long can breastmilk be kept without refrigeration?

Storing breast milk after expressing
Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

What is the code for lactation rooms?

1209.5 Lactation Rooms
It shall include at least one electrical outlet per lactation station and an additional outlet per room for a refrigerator, a sink with hot and cold running water, and a door that can be locked from the inside.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

How do you store breast milk at work without a refrigerator?

A mason jar with a good screw top, milk storage bags, or an un-insulated stainless steel water bottle would all work well, though.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

What are the OSHA requirements for lactation rooms?

The lactation room or location must be safe, clean, and free from hazardous materials, as defined in Labor Code section 6382, contain a surface to place a breast pump and personal items, contain a place to sit and have access to electricity or alternative devices, including but not limited to, extension cords or …