Milk Storage Guide

Breastmilk

Room Temperature

Refrigerator

Freezer

Freshly expressed into a closed container

6–8 hrs (26ºC or lower). If refrigeration is available store milk there

No more than 72 hours. Store in back, where it is coldest

2 weeks in freezer compartment inside refrigerator (-15°C)

3 months in freezer section of refrigerator with separate door (–18°C)

6–12 months in deep freezer (–20°C)

Previously frozen— thawed in refrigerator but not warmed

4 hours or less
(ie the next feeding)

Store in refrigerator 
24 hours

Do not refreeze

Thawed outside refrigerator in warm water

For completion of feeding

Hold for 4 hours or until next feeding

Do not refreeze

Infant has begun feeding

Only for completion of feeding, then discard

Discard

Discard