Storing and Collecting Breastmilk
What do I need to collect and store my breastmilk? Collect your breastmilk in a clean container. Plastic or glass containers that close tightly are best for storing your breastmilk. You may use plastic bags that are made for freezing breastmilk. Before you begin, wash the containers and pump parts with very hot, soapy water. Rinse well and air dry. How do I store my breastmilk?
| Storage Appliance | Storage
Time | | One door fridge | up to 5 days | | Freezer section inside a fridge | 2 weeks | | Freezer section of a 2-door fridge | 3 to 6 months | | Deep freezer | 6 to 12 months | | Breastmilk storage times are for healthy full-term babies. | | | |
Pour your milk into a clean storage container. Leave about 1½ cm or ½ inch at the top of the container, so that it does not push the lid open during freezing. Close the container tightly and label it with the date.
Milk should be stored in single feedings. It may take several collections to get one feeding of breastmilk. Cool each collection in the refrigerator before adding it to already frozen breastmilk. | | Pour your milk into a clean storage container. Leave about 1½ cm or ½ inch at the top of the container, so that it does not push the lid open during freezing. Close the container tightly and label it with the date. Milk should be stored in single feedings. It may take several collections to get one feeding of breastmilk. Cool each collection in the refrigerator before adding it to already frozen breastmilk. If you plan to use your milk within 5 days, you do not have to freeze it. If you have a baby in the hospital, check with your baby’s caregiver for storage times for breastmilk in the NICU/Special Care Nursery. 
Remember to use a cooler bag to transport breastmilk to the hospital. Important: - Place containers at the back of the fridge and freezer where it is the coldest.
- Previously thawed breastmilk is safe for 24 hours in a refrigerator.
- After the storage time has passed, throw out the breastmilk.
How do I thaw frozen breastmilk? Always use the oldest breastmilk first. Never thaw breastmilk in the microwave. Thaw frozen breastmilk by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or place the container in a pan of lukewarm water.
How do I use stored breastmilk?
After the breastmilk is thawed, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. Before feeding, warm the milk in a container of warm water only to body temperature. When the breastmilk is warm, swirl it to mix the breastmilk. You may see white flecks in the breastmilk. This is normal. Do not microwave breastmilk. A microwave can make “hot spots” in the breastmilk that may burn the baby’s mouth and it can also destroy valuable nutrients. | Breastmilk should never be refrozen. | Some helpful hints - It is important for you to rest, eat healthy foods and drink enough fluids.
- Feeding your baby with an artificial nipple during the first 4 to 6 weeks may change the baby’s suck and cause problems with breastfeeding. Ask your caregiver about other feeding methods that you can use temporarily while your baby is learning to breastfeed.
- If possible, express or pump in a quiet, restful place. Think about your baby and try to relax. This will help your breastmilk “let down” or flow easily. Other things that can help are heat, massage, music or looking at a picture of your baby.
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