Storing Breast Milk: Everything You Need to Know

Many nursing mothers pump out breast milk for their baby. But how do you store breast milk safely? Can it be frozen? How long does it last and how do you warm it up again? We have the answers.

As a nursing mum you are irreplaceable for your baby, but: mums also need a little time out and space to recharge their batteries and relax. To make sure your baby doesn’t have to give up breast milk when you’re away, you can pump out breast milk. All you need is a breast pump. In the meantime, there are not only practical hand pumps but also compact, electric pumps that make it possible to pump breast milk almost anywhere.

However, there are a few things to consider when storing breast milk. We have summarised this for you here.

How should you store breast milk

Top priority when pumping breast milk: hygienic purity! Breast milk should always be pumped into clean, sterilized or boiled containers. The same applies to storage, of course. For example, you can fill the milk into breast milk bottles or special breast milk bags. The latter score points above all because they are particularly space-saving in the refrigerator.

If you want to freeze your milk, the bags, bottles and cups should be filled to a maximum of three quarters of their capacity, as the milk expands during freezing.

And don’t forget: Write down the pumping date. This way you always know how old the milk in the container is and you can use up the oldest portions first.

Storing breast milk: How long does pumped milk last?

• At room temperature: at room temperatures up to 21 °C, please do not store for more than six to eight hours. In summer, room temperatures between 27°C and 32°C can only be kept for three to four hours.
• In the refrigerator: at a temperature of about four degrees Celsius or less, it will keep for three to five days
• In the freezer: at minus 18 degrees even up to nine months

Storing defrosted breast milk:

• At room temperature: approx. 3 hours
• In the refrigerator: unopened 24 hours, open bag max. 12 hours

Where is the best place to store breast milk?

If you want to feed the pumped milk immediately or very promptly, the milk does not necessarily have to be cooled. However, if you do not want to use your expressed breast milk straight away, you should put it in the fridge immediately. If you regularly feed expressed breast milk, it is also a good idea to keep the portions in the refrigerator instead of freezing them. This way you can warm up the milk faster. After all, if your baby is hungry, it has to be quick. 😉

Important: Please do not store breast milk in the refrigerator door. The ideal place for your breast milk is the coldest part of the fridge. It is located in the back of the compartment above the vegetable drawer.

Can I pour several portions of breast milk together?

To get a full meal for your baby, you can collect breast milk and pour smaller amounts together. However, there are some things to be considered here:

• The milk portions should have the same temperature.
• Freshly pumped breast milk should first be cooled separately and then poured into the already cooled milk when completely cold.
• Cooled breast milk can be poured directly onto already frozen milk.

What is the best way to thaw breast milk?

To preserve all the nutrients in your breast milk, it is important that you thaw it gently. The best place to do this is in the refrigerator. If you defrost breast milk at room temperature, you should feed it within two hours. If you defrost it in the refrigerator, it will keep for 24 hours.

Important: Do not freeze your breast milk once it has been defrosted!

How to warm breast milk

To warm up cooled breast milk, you can use a warm water bath. Alternatively, you can use a bottle warmer. However, it is important to heat breast milk to a maximum of 37°C. Under no circumstances should you defrost or warm it under hot water, on the stove or in the microwave. Overheating not only destroys the vitamins and minerals, but can also scald your baby with milk that is too hot.

Important: Milk once warmed up should not be warmed up again!

Tip: Gently swivel the milk bottle or breast milk bag to mix deposited fat with the milk. Please do not shake or stir!

How do I transport pumped milk on the way?

If you have pumped breast milk on the way, you should transport it as cool as possible. You can use a small cool bag or a carrier bag with cooling elements. You can store breast milk for eight hours.