Handling and storing pumped breastmilk can be scary, but it’s much simpler than it sounds. However, many mothers have questions about it, so we summarize all of the essential information about how to store breastmilk.

Fresh breast milk storage

Fresh milk: In the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Fresh milk at room temperature (summer): 4 hours

Fresh milk at room temperature (winter): 6 hours

Fresh milk to be refrigerated and then frozen: No more than 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Frozen:

Milk frozen at (-19 Cº): 6 months

Milk frozen at (-4 / -5 Cº): 3 months

Milk frozen at (- 20°C or higher): 12 months

Previously heated breastmilk to inactivate lipase: freeze immediately and follow freezing times as outlined above.

Defrosted:

Milk thawed in the fridge: 24h

Milk thawed with hot water or similar: Up to 2 hours after drinking

Heated:

Heated milk that the baby has not finished: 2h and cannot be reheated

Heated milk that the baby has consumed partially: 1h cannot be reheated.

In the section “Our breastfeeding” in the LactApp you will find more information about the conservation of milk.

Do you have any other questions?

You can find more information on pumping and storing breastmilk in our free app, LactApp, for iPhone or Android. In the contact section of the app, you can find an in-app consultation channel where our experts will answer your questions.