Once fully thawed previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Breast milk storage room temperature nhs.
How to store breast milk.
The guidelines for storage of expressed milk at room temperature between 16 25 c vary greatly as studies suggest different optimal times liebert 2017.
You can store breast milk in a sterilised container or in special breast milk storage bags.
Fresh breastmilk including colostrum.
Breast milk can be stored in a sterilised container or special storage bags remember to label and date it.
Never store breast milk in disposable bottle liners or plastic bags that are not intended for storing breast milk.
For 2 weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge.
Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored.
5 days if temperature rises above 4 c after 3 days use within 6 hours or throw away frozen breastmilk.
If you need it on the go you can store your refrigerated breast milk for 24 hours in a cool bag or box with ice packs in it.
At room temperature 77 f or colder for up to 4 hours.
For healthy full term infants here are the guidelines for keeping breast milk out at room temperature up to 77 degrees f or 25 degrees c.
Breast milk can safely stand at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours and need not be discarded if the first feeding attempt is incomplete.
Breast milk storage guidelines.
Your breast milk can then be kept.
However it s optimal to use or properly store the breast milk within four hours especially if the room is warm.
At the back of the fridge not the door for up to 8 days at 4 c or lower in the ice compartment of the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
What about storing expressing milk at room temperature.
In a fridge use within 24 hours in a cool bag with an ice pack use within 4 hours at room temperature use within 2 hours.
When defrosting in fridge.
If made up formula is stored.
Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to six hours.
Don t leave frozen breast milk to defrost at room temperature.
Alternatively hold the bottle or bag of frozen milk under warm running water a maximum of 37 c or 99 f.
How long you can safely keep expressed breast milk depends on the storage method.
In the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Store it in small quantities to avoid wasting any.
