Breast milk how long does it last

Various factors affect how long human milk can be stored safely. Such factors include milk volume, room temperature when milk is expressed, temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator and freezer, and cleanliness of the environment. Do you have other questions, such as where to store breast milk at work, and what to do when the power goes out? Visit Frequently Asked Questions. Always thaw the oldest breast milk first. Remember first in, first out. Over time, the quality of breast milk can decrease.

Carefully clean, sanitize, and store pump equipment, baby bottles, and other feeding items to protect your breast milk from contamination. See CDC guidance on how to safely clean and store pump equipment and infant feeding items. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Fresh milk contains greater nutrients and immunologic benefits. Breast milk can remain safely in a cooler for up to 24 hours, according to the CDC. You can keep freshly expressed or pumped breast milk in the refrigerator for up to four days—just make sure your refrigerator is 40 F or colder.

Make sure to store it in the back where the temperature is coldest and never store breast milk in the refrigerator door, as the temperature fluctuations could cause the milk to spoil. Note that thawed breast milk, however, stays fresh for only 24 hours in the fridge. While breast milk is safe in the freezer for 12 months, over time the quality of the milk decreases.

Ideally, you should use it within three months to six months for best quality and taste. Make sure your freezer is 0 F or colder. Be picky about the containers you use to store breast milk. Options include:. Place a label on the container indicating the date it was expressed. If your child goes to daycare, include their name on the label as well. When filling the container to freeze your milk, leave about an inch of space at the top for the breast milk to expand as it freezes.

No matter the container you use, freeze the breast milk in small amounts, such as 2 to 4 ounces. Drury cautions not to defrost or heat breast milk in the microwave.

Always thaw the oldest breast milk first. Here are three ways you can defrost breast milk safely, according to the CDC:. You can give your baby milk that has been kept at room temperature or even cold milk from the refrigerator, and many babies like it this way just fine. However, if you choose to warm the milk, follow these steps:. Most foods change after being frozen. A small number of moms notice their milk smells soapy, metallic or rancid. Milk that smells metallic or rancid after storing or heating could be caused by chemical oxidation.

High lipase and chemical oxidation have different solutions. Both milks are safe to feed to your baby, but if your baby refuses the flavor change, take time to learn how to prevent the flavor change. Still not sure? Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk. This can cause hot spots, which can burn your baby's mouth. If you're expressing breast milk because your baby is premature or sick, ask the hospital staff caring for your baby for advice on how to store it.

Read more about breastfeeding a premature or sick baby. The Bliss website also has advice about expressing milk for a premature or sick baby. Page last reviewed: 16 October Next review due: 16 October Expressing and storing breast milk. You might want to express milk if: you have to be away from your baby, for example, because your baby is in special care or because you're going back to work your breasts feel uncomfortably full engorged your baby is not able to latch or suck well, but you still want to give them breast milk your partner is going to help with feeding your baby you want to boost your milk supply How to express breast milk You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump.

Expressing breast milk by hand Some find it easier to express milk by hand, especially in the first few days or weeks. Hold a sterilised feeding bottle or container below your breast to catch the milk as it flows. These tips may help: Before you start, wash your hands with soap and warm water.

Have something clean ready to collect the milk in. Some find gently massaging their breasts before expressing helps their milk to let down. Cup your breast with one hand then, with your other hand, form a "C" shape with your forefinger and thumb. Squeeze gently, keeping your finger and thumb a few centimetres away from your nipple, just outside the darker area around it areola.

Do not squeeze the nipple itself as you could make it sore. This should not hurt. Release the pressure, then repeat, building up a rhythm. Try not to slide your fingers over the skin.

Drops should start to appear, and then your milk usually starts to flow. If no drops appear, try moving your finger and thumb slightly, but still avoid squeezing the darker area near your nipple.

When the flow slows down, move your fingers round to a different section of your breast, and repeat. When the flow from one breast has slowed, swap to the other breast.