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Tips for Storing Breastmilk

Adapted from The Breastfeeding Answer Book, 2003, 3rd Revised Edition.

At Room Temperature

Term colostrum (expressed within 6 days after delivery)

• 12 hours at 80 - 90 degrees F

Mature Milk

• 24 hours (at 60 degrees F)
• 10 hours (at 66 - 72 degrees F)
• 4 - 6 hours (at 79 degrees F)
• 4 hours (at 86 - 100 degrees F)

In a Refrigerator

• 8 days (at 32 - 39 degrees F)

In a Freezer

• 3 - 4 months in a freezer above or beside a refrigerator
• 6 + months in a deep freezer
• 2 weeks in an older inside-the-refrigerator-type freezer

Fresh human milk can be also stored in a cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours.

**These guidelines apply to mothers who have a healthy, full term baby.

Reminders

• Wash hands and containers before expressing your milk with warm, soapy water.
• Label each container with the month, day, and year.

Average Daily Intake of Breastmilk by Infants' Weight