If the freezer is a chest or a deep freezer (−4° F or −20° C), milk may be frozen for up to 12 months. Use breastmilk within 24 hours of thawing it in the refrigerator. A double breast pump helps stimulate milk production while reducing pumping time by half. Freshly pumped breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator (39° F or 4° C) for up to four days — just don’t forget it’s back there. You can store breastmilk in a plastic or glass bottle with a screw-on lid or in sterile zip-seal breastmilk storage bags. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Finding breastfeeding support and information, Breastfeeding a baby with a health problem, Breastfeeding at home, at work, and in public, Breastfeeding: How to Pump and Store Your Breastmilk, Food Safety for Moms to Be: Once Baby Arrives, How to Clean, Sanitize, and Store Infant Feeding Items, How to Keep Your Breast Pump Kit Clean: The Essentials, Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk, It’s Only Natural: African-American Breastfeeding, Support for Nursing Moms in the Workplace: Employer Solutions, The Office on Women’s Health Launches Prize Competition for Innovative Maternal Health Programs, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Covering the container with a clean cool towel may keep milk cooler. If you are unable to breastfeed your baby directly, make sure to pump during the times your baby would normally eat. Microwaving breast milk is not safe. Bring a photo or a blanket or item of clothing that has your baby's scent on it. Bags made especially for storing breast milk are designed to protect the nutrients and anti-infective qualities of human milk. Common breastmilk storage guidelines state that breastmilk can be safely stored for: Now that you’ve properly labeled your breast milk, you can store it for future use. You can store it for your baby’s feedings when you return to work.How m… U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women's Health. Can pump one breast at a time or both breasts at the same time. Pin Flip Email Ages and Stages Babies Baby's First Year Growth & Development Health & Safety To thaw breastmilk, you should keep the breastmilk in the refrigerator and let it sit for around 12 hours. Most insurance plans must cover breastfeeding supplies, such as storage bags, in addition to breast pumps. If you know what rotten milk smells like then you’ll probably know what rotten breast milk smells like. If you have a full-term, healthy, breastfeeding baby, you can wait a few weeks to start pumping and storing breast milk. But all moms should learn how to hand express in case of emergency. This type of pump works well for creating a milk supply when a new baby can't feed at the breast. Breast pumps can seem complicated - just like the rules for handling the milk you produce. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. When it comes to freezer storage, however, smaller portions are actually better. Remember that heating breast milk in the microwave or boiling it is not safe. Sit quietly and think of a relaxing setting. It is okay to refrigerate and store your breast milk after pumping. Make sure the area where you are pumping and your pump parts and bottles are clean. 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