Storing expressed breast milk

If you’re going back to work after having your baby but would like him to keep receiving your breast milk, you can start expressing milk ahead of your return and freeze it for your daycare provider to feed to him in a bottle.

You can store breast milk in special storage bags that don’t take up too much space in the freezer or in any clean, sterile bottle with a secure cap – always date it, to remind you when you expressed the milk. Another option is to use a washed and sterilized ice cube tray and decant the frozen cubes of milk into bags so you can thaw a few at a time.

Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to eight hours as long as the temperature is below 77 degrees Fahrenheit, or in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours (ensure the thermostat is set at 32-39 degrees). If you’re pumping milk at work and you won’t be able to put it in a refrigerator, take a small cooler with you to ensure it stays cold enough and then put it in the refrigerator or freezer when you get home.

If you want to store your milk for a longer period of time, you’ll need to freeze it. It’ll keep for up to two weeks in the icebox inside your refrigerator, or up to four months in a self contained freezer compartment – store it in the body, not the door shelves. If you have a standalone deep freezer, your breast milk can be stored in this for up to six months as long as the temperature remains at 0 degrees.

Always leave space at the top of the bag or bottle for expansion as the milk freezes, and once it’s thawed use it within 24 hours (never refreeze it). Avoid using a microwave to reheat milk, as it can heat unevenly, causing hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth. For safe, even reheating, warm milk by sanding your baby’s bottle in a pan of warm water.

Even if you’re going to give up work to care for your baby, it’s a good idea to express and freeze some breast milk since it means your partner can also feed your baby, perhaps at the weekend so you can catch up on your night’s sleep. It also means you might be able to enjoy a night out together in the knowledge your baby will be having his familiar milk while you aren’t there.

Why not chat to other moms about this, or other feeding-related topics, by leaving a message on the feeding and food area of our chat forum?

The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.