There are different ways of storing breast milk.
Expressed breast milk should be refrigerated or frozen immediately and only when collected with a disinfected breast pump. If you do not have a fridge available (when you are out and about) and plan to feed your baby within 4 hours, you can also keep it at room temperature.
Never refreeze thawed breast milk, to prevent a decrease in milk quality. Similarly, never add fresh breast milk to frozen breast milk, to prevent unintended thawing of the frozen milk.
How do I store breast milk?
Published on 05 July 2024
Store in the fridge
Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, expressed milk should be refrigerated immediately. If you add expressed milk during the day, make sure that you use disinfected bottles or breast milk containers.
Store in the freezer
Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months as long as it is kept in disinfected containers. Clearly label the milk with the date and time of expression and use older breast milk first.
