Breastmilk storage guidelines

There is a lot of information that can be found on line from various organizations, mom support groups, and well-meaning individuals, but what is the evidence for the safest way to store and handle breastmilk? Let's go through the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's recommendations for Breast Milk Storage.

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), ensuring that breastfeeding mothers have the best possible information on breast milk storage is crucial. Dispelling myths and providing solid evidence based information is important to me, not only as a professional but also as a Mother. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) provides detailed protocols to guide mothers on how to safely store expressed breast milk. Proper storage not only maintains the nutritional quality of the milk but also ensures the safety and well-being of the infant. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on the ABM’s protocols.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Breast milk is a dynamic, living fluid rich in nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes essential for your baby’s growth and development. However, its beneficial properties can be compromised if it is not stored correctly. Following proper storage guidelines helps preserve your liquid gold's valuable components, ensuring your baby receives optimal nutrition even when you’re not available to breastfeed directly.

Expressing and Handling Breast Milk

1. Hygiene First:

- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before expressing or handling breast milk.

- Ensure that all pumping equipment and storage containers are clean. The ABM recommends using hot soap and water as an efficient way to clean pump and bottle parts for healthy full term infants. Pre-term infants or those with health conditions are recommended to use sterilization techniques as well.

2. Use Clean Storage Containers:

- Store milk in clean, BPA-free plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids, or use specially designed breast milk storage bags.

- Avoid using regular plastic bags or bottles that are not intended for breast milk storage as they may break or leak.

-Many women who are exclusively or predominantly pumping will store milk in a pitcher and pool the milk prior to dividing it into individual containers or bags for feeds or freezing.

Storage Guidelines

The ABM provides specific recommendations for storing breast milk at different temperatures. These guidelines help to ensure that breast milk remains safe and nutritious for your baby.

1. Room Temperature (Up to 77°F or 25°C):

- Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for 5 hours, at ideal conditions the ABM states that milk is okay for up to a maximum of 8 hours. This means, if you forget the milk after a middle of the night pumping session, it might still be okay!

- If the room is particularly warm, it is advisable to store milk in a cooler with ice packs to ensure it stays at a safe temperature.

2. Refrigerator (Up to 40°F or 4°C):

- Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

- Place milk at the back of the refrigerator where it is coldest and not in the door, where temperatures fluctuate more.

- If milk will not be used in 5 days, move milk from the fridge to the freezer.

3. Freezer (0°F or -18°C):

- Breast milk can be stored in a standard freezer compartment for up to 6 months.

- For long-term storage, a deep freezer at -4°F or -20°C can preserve breast milk for up to 12 months.

- Store milk in small quantities (2-4 ounces) to minimize waste and make thawing easier.

Thawing and Using Stored Milk

1. Thawing:

- Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight or place the container in warm water to thaw more quickly.

- Avoid thawing milk at room temperature or in a microwave, as this can create hot spots and degrade some of the milk’s beneficial properties.

2. Using Thawed Milk:

- Once thawed, use the milk within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator.

- Do not refreeze thawed milk.

- Swirl the milk gently to mix any separated fat. Avoid vigorous shaking, which can damage some of the milk’s beneficial components.

Tips for Safe Storage

- Label and Date: Always label containers with the date and time the milk was expressed. Use the oldest milk first to ensure none goes to waste.

- Small Portions: Store milk in small portions to reduce waste and make it easier to thaw the right amount for each feeding.

- Avoid Mixing Temperatures: When adding freshly expressed milk to already stored milk, cool the new milk before combining it with refrigerated or frozen milk. This is the most common recommendation, however Free to feed has a great article about pooling milk that I will link here for you to read.

Adhering to the ABM’s protocols for breast milk storage ensures that your baby receives safe, high-quality nutrition. By following these guidelines, you can preserve the essential nutrients and protective properties of breast milk, contributing to your baby’s health and development.

For personalized advice and support, consider consulting with an IBCLC or your healthcare provider. Every breastfeeding journey is unique, and having professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring successful breastfeeding and milk storage practices.