Storing breast milk is a smart and helpful way to make sure your baby always has nourishing milk, even when you’re not around. Whether you’re heading back to work, planning a night out, or just needing a break, knowing how to express yourself and store your breast milk cooler bag safely is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy tips to keep your milk fresh, clean, and ready whenever your little one needs it.
Watch the original How to Safely Store Your Liquid Gold: Breast Milk Storage Guide
“Video by [Medical Centric] on YouTube.
What Is Expressing Breast Milk?
Expressing means removing milk from your breasts—either by hand, manual pump, or electric pump—when your baby isn’t breastfeeding.
You might need to express if:
- Your baby is premature, unwell, or can’t latch properly.
- You’re away from your baby, like at work or at an appointment.
- Your breasts feel too full, or you want to boost your milk supply.
Expressed milk can be fed using a bottle, syringe, or cup, and helps keep breastfeeding going even during challenges.
Storing Breast reusable milk storage bags:
| Storage Type | Temperature | Storage Duration | Notes |
| Freshly Expressed Milk | Room Temperature (up to 26°C) | 6-8 hours | Best to refrigerate if not used within this time frame. |
| Fridge (up to 5°C) | Up to 72 hrs. | Depot at the reverse of the fridge, away from meat and other foods. | |
| Freezer (−15°C or lower) | 2 weeks | Ensure proper sealing to avoid contamination. | |
| Thawed Milk (in Fridge) | Room Temperature (up to 26°C) | 4 hours after thawing | Do not refreeze thawed milk. |
| Fridge (up to 5°C) | 24 hours after thawing | Use within 24 hours of thawing. | |
| Thawed and Warmed Milk | Room Temperature (up to 26°C) | Discard if not consumed by baby | Do not store or refreeze milk that has been warmed after a feed. |
| Fridge (up to 5°C) | Store for up to 4 hours if baby hasn’t started feeding |
Your Breast Milk: What You Should Know
- You can direct breast milk freezer bags by finger, hand drive, or electric pump—hand expressing is easy once you get the hang of it.
- Breast milk naturally fights bacteria, but it still needs to be handled and stored safely.
- Keep milk in the fridge at 4°C or below for best quality. If unsure, assume your fridge may be warmer (5–10°C).
- The best mini fridge for breast milk can be frozen, but freezing may slightly reduce some of its nutrients and immune-boosting properties.
Expressing Breast Milk: Getting Started
- It’s normal to get just a few drops at first practice makes it easier over time.
- Try expressing at different times of day to see what works best for you.
When Should You Express?
- Before birth (36–37 weeks): To collect colostrum if advised. Aim for 10 mins, twice a day.
- First few days: If baby is sleepy or struggles to latch.
- After birth: Express or breastfeed at least 8 times a day (including once at night) to boost supply and comfort.
Hand Expressing Made Easy
Before you begin, wash your hands and prepare a clean, wide-mouthed container like a sterilized jug or pot.
To help milk flow (let-down):
- Relax with music, TV, or a warm drink
- Keep your baby close or look at their photo or clothing
- Warm your deep freezer for breast milk with a shower or warm cloth
- Gently massage your breasts from the outside in
Steps to express:
- Build a ‘C’ form with your thumb and touches, 2–3 cm behind the nipple
- Press gently together in a rhythm
- Rotate around the breast (like a clock face) to reach all areas
- Switch between breasts
Practice helps—everyone finds their own rhythm over time!
Do’s and Don’ts of Storing Breast Milk
Do: Wash Hands, Use Clean Containers
Forever, wash your fingers before expressing and treating breast milk. Apply clean, fresh containers to ensure the milk stays safe and free from bacteria.
Don’t: Mix Fresh Milk with Frozen, Refreeze Thawed Milk
Avoid mixing freshly expressed milk with frozen milk, as it can affect the quality. Never refreeze milk that has already been thawed, as this could cause contamination and spoilage.
Keep Breast Milk Safe with Good Hygiene
- Clean your hands by expressing or managing milk.
- Utilize a sterile, lidded container—avoid reusing the collection jug.
- If possible, use a new container each time. You can mix freshly cooled milk with stored milk from the same day.
- Label containers with your name, date, and time, and store them in a sealed, clean bag or box.
- Store milk in the fridge or freezer right away—place it at the back, away from raw foods.
Safe storage keeps your milk fresh, and your baby protected!
How Should Breast Milk Be Stored?
Breast milk can be kept in breast milk storage bags or in hygienic glass or plastic containers. Don’t refreeze thawed milk and always mark it with the date.
| Freshly Expressed Milk | Freezer: | Thawed Milk (Not Warmed) | Thawed & Warmed Milk |
| Room Temp (up to 26°C): Up to 6–8 hours | 2 weeks (inside fridge freezer) | Room Temp: Up to 4 hours | Room Temp: ❌ Use immediately or discard |
| Fridge (≤5°C): Up to 72 hours (store at the back) | 3 months (separate freezer) | Fridge: Up to 24 hours | Fridge: If not fed, store up to 4 hours |
| 6–12 months (deep freezer) | Freezer: ❌ Do not refreeze | Freezer: ❌ Do not refreeze |
Six Breast Milk Storage Tips
1. Write the time and date you specified on the label.
2. If at all feasible, give your infant fresh expressed milk.
3. If milk is not used within two days, freeze it.
4. Always use a fresh container; avoid combining stored and fresh milk.
5. Use the oldest milk first; this is known as First In, First Out.
6. If your infant has begun to feed, discard the milk; do not refrigerate or freeze it.
This will ensure your milk stays safe and fresh for your baby!
The Most Beneficial Method for Giving Your Infant Breast Milk Expression
A sterile bottle is the most convenient way to give expressed breast milk. It can be served warm or cold, based on your baby’s preferences. Be patient as your baby adjusts to the bottle; if they are accustomed to breastfeeding, they might want some assistance. If your baby refuses the bottle, try using a small cup or teaspoon instead.
Best Containers for Storing Breast Milk
Choose containers that are food-grade, BPA-free, and non-toxic. Breast milk storage bags designed for freezing are a great option, along with fresh glass or BPA-free elastic bottles with compact lids. Avoid using disposable container liners or regular plastic bags. To prevent waste, store milk in small batches, and discard any leftover milk within one to two hours after feeding.
Storing Pumped Breast Milk at Work or on the Go
Portable Coolers: Keep Milk Fresh Anywhere
Portable Coolers are a lifesaver for storing breast milk while you’re out. They help keep milk at a safe temperature until you can refrigerate or freeze it.
Pumping Tips for Working Moms: Efficient and Easy Solutions
For working moms, using a hands-free pump or scheduling pumping sessions during breaks can make expressing milk easier and more efficient throughout the day.
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Transporting Milk Home: Safe and Simple Methods
To transport your milk home safely, use an insulated cooler bag. It will maintain the temperature, ensuring your milk stays fresh until you can store it properly.
Another Storing Breast Milk Video
“Video by [Aeroflow Breastpumps] on YouTube.
Conclusion:
Storing breast milk properly is essential for preserving its nutritional value and ensuring your baby receives all the benefits. Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze your expressed milk, following proper guidelines helps maintain its quality and prevents any risk of contamination. When storing breast milk, make sure to label containers with the date and time, and store the milk in small batches to avoid waste. You can simply regulate your milk supply and make sure your baby is fed even when you’re not there by learning the proper methods for preserving breast milk. Understanding how to store breast milk correctly is essential to your nursing experience, regardless of whether you’re freezing it for later use or need it immediately for feeding.
FAQs on Storing Breast Milk
1. For what length of time is breast milk suitable for room temperature storage?
For up to 6–8 hours, breast milk can be kept at room temperature (up to 26°C). Keep it in the refrigerator if possible.
2. Is it possible to refreeze breast milk?
No, after the breast milk has thawed, it should never be refrozen. Always keep it in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.
3. How long is it safe to keep breast milk in the refrigerator?
For up to 72 hours, breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator at 5°C. Be sure to keep it in the refrigerator’s back.
4. How long is the shelf life of breast milk in the freezer?
in a refrigerator freezer (-15°C) for two weeks.
• Three months at -18°C in a second door freezer
• 6–12 months in a deep freezer (-20°C)
5. Is it possible to combine stored and freshly expressed milk?
Every time you express milk, it’s preferable to use a fresh container. You can combine fresh milk with milk that has been preserved if needed, but only if it was pumped out that same day.
6. How do I know if my stored milk is still good?
Always label your stored milk with the date and time it was expressed. Throw out any milk that has been left out too long or if it looks or smells off.
7. Can I warm breast milk?
Yes, you can heat breast milk by putting the container in warm water. Do not use a microwave because it will heat the milk unevenly.
