The Ultimate Guide to Breastmilk Storage: Do's and Don'ts

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and nourishing way to provide for your baby, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to storing breastmilk. Proper storage ensures that your baby gets the full nutritional benefits and stays safe from potential contaminants. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the do’s and don’ts of breastmilk storage to help you navigate this essential aspect of infant care.

Do’s of Breastmilk Storage

1. Use Clean, Sterile Containers

Always store breastmilk in clean, sterile containers. You can use BPA-free plastic bottles, glass bottles, or breastmilk storage bags specifically designed for this purpose. Sterilize bottles and containers by boiling them in water for a few minutes or using a sterilizing solution.

2. Label Your Containers

Label each container with the date and time the milk was expressed. This helps you use the oldest milk first, ensuring nothing goes to waste and your baby gets the freshest milk possible.

3. Follow the 5-5-5 Rule

A good rule of thumb for breastmilk storage is the 5-5-5 rule:

• 5 hours at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C)

• 5 days in the refrigerator (at 39°F or 4°C)

• 1 year in the freezer (at 0°F or -18°C or colder)

4. Store in Small Portions

Store breastmilk in small portions of 2-4 ounces to avoid waste. It’s easier to thaw more if needed than to deal with leftovers that need to be discarded.

5. Thaw Safely

Thaw breastmilk by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or holding the container under warm running water. Never use a microwave to thaw breastmilk as it can create hot spots and degrade some of the milk’s beneficial properties.

6. Gently Mix Before Feeding

Gently swirl the container to mix the cream that may have separated. Avoid vigorous shaking, which can break down some of the milk’s components.

Don’ts of Breastmilk Storage

1. Don’t Refreeze Thawed Milk

Once breastmilk has been thawed, do not refreeze it. Thawed milk should be used within 24 hours and kept in the refrigerator until needed.

2. Don’t Leave Milk Out for Too Long

Avoid leaving breastmilk out at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Bacteria can begin to grow, making the milk unsafe for your baby.

3. Don’t Store Milk in the Door of the Refrigerator

The temperature in the refrigerator door fluctuates more than in the main compartment. Store breastmilk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer where it is coldest and most stable.

4. Don’t Combine Freshly Expressed Milk with Stored Milk

If you need to add freshly expressed milk to a container of stored milk, cool the fresh milk in the refrigerator first before combining. Mixing warm milk with cold milk can cause bacterial growth.

5. Don’t Overfill Storage Bags

Leave some room at the top of storage bags before freezing, as breastmilk expands when it freezes. Overfilling can cause bags to burst.

6. Don’t Use Regular Plastic Bags

Regular plastic bags are not designed for breastmilk storage and can easily leak or become contaminated. Always use bags specifically designed for breastmilk.

Final Thoughts

Proper breastmilk storage is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your baby continues to receive the best possible nutrition even when you’re not available to breastfeed directly. Always remember to consult with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant if you have any questions or concerns about breastmilk storage.

Happy feeding!