Storage Location, Temperature, Storage Duration
Store at room temperature >25 °C for 1 hour
Store at room temperature <25 °C for 4 hours
Store in an ice water container at 15 °C for 24 hours
Store in a regular refrigerator at 4°C for 96 hours (4 days)
Store in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator (single door) at -15 °C for 2 weeks
Store in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator (separate door) at -19 °C for 3 months
Store in a deep freezer compartment at -19 °C for 6 months
How to Use Stored Breast Milk?
- When you want to use frozen milk, thaw it by placing it in the regular refrigerator compartment overnight to allow the ice to melt.
- Do not let frozen milk thaw at room temperature. If you want it to thaw faster, place it in room temperature water, then switch to warm water before feeding the baby. Do not use hot water or microwave.
- Milk stored in breast milk bags will thaw faster than milk stored in bottles or other containers.
- Do not refreeze milk that has already been thawed.
- Do not store milk in the refrigerator door because the temperature is not stable.
- Thawed milk may have a slightly rancid smell, which is normal unless the smell is very strong and sour, then the milk is spoiled and should not be consumed.
