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Storage of Milk


Cleanliness
To avoid bacterial contamination, all storage containers, bottles, nipples, cups and spoons, or any other feeding utensils need to be clean. To clean a hard storage container use hot soapy water, rinse well and air dry. THIS IS FOR BREAST MILK NOT FORMULA. Sterilizing is not necessary for a full-term healthy baby in his/her own home, but can be done if preferred.


Storage Times
Because of the anti-infective organisms in human milk, it retards bacterial contamination for longer than many people expect. Storage times vary according to different sources. It is important to check with your local Hospitals and Health aides for regulations on storage times. Some sources quote a storage time of 5 days at 4 degrees celsuis.

Storage containers for Breastmilk can be made of:

  1. Glass ( do not use glass if storing in the fridge, the antibacterial properties cling to the glass and stay on the glass)

  2. Hard Plastic

  3. Stainless Steel

  4. Breast milk storage bags ( These are thinner so double bag and place in a tupperware container so they do not rip)

  5. Ice cube trays ( store in freezer bags when frozen)

  6. Ice cube trays are good for storing small amounts of milk. It is also easier to defrost in smaller amounts.


    7. Important Considerations

  7. Do not exeed the storage times quoted to you.

  8. Ensure that storage temperatures are consistant. Use a fridge thermometer. Store milk in the coldest part of the fridge, not in the door.

  9. All stored milk should be clearly labelled with the date it was expressed and its USE BY date.

    10. All stored milk should be clearly labelled with the date it was expressed and its USE BY date.


    Using Expressed Milk

    Expressed milk separates, the foremilk and hindmilk can be seen if left to stand. It may appear bluish, yellowish or brownish. The color can be affected by colorings in a mother's diet. Shake gently to mix layers before a feed. The color doesn't matter.

    Research was done in a labratory where milk was refrigerated for 8 days. However this was done in a lab fridge where the door was left closed constantly. Therefore most quote 5 days. If milk is stored in smaller quantities there is less waste. Freshly expressed milk can be added to already frozen milk if it is cooled first in a fridge and there is less fresh milk than frozen milk. THIS IS NOT IDEAL.

    Fresh Milk

    Fresh milk can be thawed by running it under cool water and then increasingly warm water until it is at room temperature. Alternatively milk can be thawed in the refrigerator.
    Thawed milk can be kept in a refrigerator but should be discarded after 24hrs

    Never re-freeze thawed milk.

    Shake after thawing and test the temperature.

    Stand container in warm water to defrost.

    Please note- never microwave breast milk.
    Microwaving destroys the valuable components of human milk.

    Always check with your local hospitals and health aides for laws and regulations in different countries on storage of milk for newborns.

    Source- MNT Maternity Practitoner Award Handbook.