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How long can you store breast milk without freezing?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage: Freshly Expressed Milk
When it comes to storing freshly expressed breast milk, the guidelines are clear and designed to ensure the safety and quality of the milk for your baby. Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you anticipate that the milk will not be used within this timeframe, it is advisable to freeze it immediately to maintain its quality.
Refrigeration Guidelines
In the refrigerator, breast milk should be kept at a temperature of 4°C (39°F) or lower. It’s important to store the milk in clean, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags. To minimize waste, consider storing smaller amounts that your baby is likely to consume in one feeding.
Room Temperature Storage
If you find yourself in a situation where refrigeration isn’t immediately available, freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for up to four hours. This is particularly useful for short outings or when you’re on the go.
Key Considerations
While the four-day guideline for refrigerated milk is a standard recommendation, it’s essential to note that the quality of breast milk can degrade over time. Therefore, if you are unsure whether the milk will be used within this period, freezing it right away is the best option to preserve its nutrients and protective properties.
Once thawed, previously frozen breast milk must be used within 24 hours if thawed in the refrigerator, or within two hours if warmed. This ensures that the milk remains safe for your baby to consume.
In summary, understanding the proper storage methods for breast milk is crucial for maintaining its quality and ensuring your baby’s health. By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently manage your breast milk supply, whether you’re at home or on the move.

When should I stop freezing my breast milk?

The temperature of kitchen freezers is typically 0° F. Deep freezers and chest freezers may be colder than 0°F. Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best.

How long is breast milk good for a chart?

Breast Milk Temperature and Duration

Location Temperature Duration
Countertop, table Room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) 4 hours
Insulated cooler bag 5-39°F or -15-4°C 24 hours
Refrigerator 40°F or 4°C 4 days

How long does breast milk get spoiled in the breast?

No, breast milk doesn’t spoil inside the breast. It’s produced on demand and maintains its freshness.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

How long is breast milk good for without freezing?

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.

How long can you collect breastmilk before freezing?

in the fridge for up to 8 days at 4C or lower (you can buy fridge thermometers online) – if you’re not sure of the temperature of your fridge, or it is higher than 4C, use it within 3 days. for 2 weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge. for up to 6 months in a freezer, if it’s -18C or lower.

What is the 6 6 6 rule for breast milk?

Rule #2: The Breast Milk Storage Guidelines.
Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

What happens if a baby drinks spoiled breast milk?

They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever.

Does kissing your baby change your breast milk?

Keep reading to learn some other amazing facts about breastfeeding. When a mother kisses her baby, she samples the pathogens on her baby’s face, which then travel to the mom’s lymphatic system. The mother’s body then creates the antibodies to fight those pathogens, which she feeds to her baby in her milk.

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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