Breastmilk is a precious gift for newborn babies, providing them with essential nutrients, antibodies, and a strong foundation for their immune system. For breastfeeding mothers, expressing and storing breastmilk is a common practice, especially when they need to be away from their babies or want to build a milk stash for future use. However, it’s crucial to store breastmilk safely to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of breastmilk storage, focusing on how long you can keep breastmilk in the fridge before freezing.
Understanding Breastmilk Storage Basics
Before we dive into the specifics of refrigerated breastmilk storage, it’s essential to understand the basics of breastmilk storage. Breastmilk can be stored in various ways, including:
- Room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C)
- Insulated cooler bags with ice packs
- Refrigeration (at 39°F/4°C or below)
- Freezing (at 0°F/-18°C or below)
Each storage method has its own set of guidelines and recommendations, which we’ll explore in more detail later.
Why Refrigerate Breastmilk?
Refrigerating breastmilk is an excellent way to store it for short-term, especially when you plan to use it within a few days. Refrigeration slows down bacterial growth, allowing you to store breastmilk for a longer period than at room temperature. However, it’s crucial to follow proper refrigeration guidelines to ensure the milk remains safe and healthy for your baby.
How Long Can You Keep Breastmilk in the Fridge?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends storing breastmilk in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. However, some studies suggest that breastmilk can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 8 days. It’s essential to note that the quality of breastmilk may decrease over time, even if it’s stored properly.
To ensure the longest shelf life, follow these refrigeration guidelines:
- Store breastmilk in a clean, airtight container or breastmilk storage bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and time it was expressed.
- Keep the breastmilk at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 39°F (4°C) or below.
- Store the breastmilk in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually the bottom shelf.
Factors Affecting Breastmilk Storage
Several factors can affect the storage life of breastmilk, including:
- Temperature: Breastmilk should be stored at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 39°F (4°C) or below.
- Container quality: Use clean, airtight containers or breastmilk storage bags to prevent bacterial contamination.
- Handling and storage: Avoid exposing breastmilk to heat, light, or contamination during storage.
- Milk quality: The quality of breastmilk can affect its storage life. For example, breastmilk with a high bacterial count may not store as well as milk with a low bacterial count.
Freezing Breastmilk: A Long-Term Storage Solution
While refrigeration is suitable for short-term storage, freezing is the best way to store breastmilk long-term. Frozen breastmilk can be safely stored for up to 6 to 12 months in a deep freezer (at 0°F/-18°C or below). When freezing breastmilk, follow these guidelines:
- Use a clean, airtight container or breastmilk storage bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and time it was expressed.
- Store the breastmilk in the coldest part of the freezer, usually the bottom shelf.
- Avoid overcrowding the freezer, as this can cause temperature fluctuations.
Thawing and Using Frozen Breastmilk
When you’re ready to use frozen breastmilk, follow these thawing and handling guidelines:
- Thaw frozen breastmilk in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
- Once thawed, use the breastmilk within 24 hours.
- Avoid refreezing thawed breastmilk, as this can cause bacterial growth and affect the milk’s quality.
Conclusion
Storing breastmilk safely is crucial to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth. While refrigeration is suitable for short-term storage, freezing is the best way to store breastmilk long-term. By following proper storage guidelines, you can ensure that your breastmilk remains healthy and safe for your baby. Remember to always check the breastmilk for any signs of spoilage before feeding it to your baby, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Additional Tips for Breastmilk Storage
- Always wash your hands before expressing and storing breastmilk.
- Use a breastmilk storage bag or container that is BPA-free and designed for breastmilk storage.
- Avoid storing breastmilk in glass containers, as they can break or shatter.
- Keep breastmilk storage bags or containers away from strong-smelling foods, as breastmilk can absorb odors.
By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure that your breastmilk is stored safely and remains healthy for your baby.
How long can I store breastmilk in the fridge before freezing?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), breastmilk can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days at a temperature of 39°F (4°C) or below. However, it’s essential to note that the quality and nutritional content of the milk may degrade over time, even if it remains safe for consumption. If you don’t plan to use the milk within this timeframe, it’s recommended to freeze it as soon as possible to preserve its quality.
When storing breastmilk in the fridge, make sure to use a clean, airtight container or breastmilk storage bag, and label it with the date and time it was expressed. Keep the container or bag at the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most consistent, and avoid storing it in the door or near strong-smelling foods, as breastmilk can absorb odors easily.
What factors affect the storage life of breastmilk in the fridge?
The storage life of breastmilk in the fridge can be affected by several factors, including the temperature of the fridge, the cleanliness of the storage container, and the handling of the milk. If the fridge temperature is not consistently below 39°F (4°C), the milk may spoil faster. Additionally, if the storage container is not clean or airtight, bacteria can contaminate the milk, reducing its storage life.
Other factors, such as the frequency of opening the fridge door, the storage location within the fridge, and the presence of strong-smelling foods, can also impact the storage life of breastmilk. To minimize these effects, it’s crucial to follow proper storage and handling guidelines to ensure the milk remains safe and nutritious for your baby.
Can I store breastmilk in the fridge for longer than 5 days?
While breastmilk can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, it’s not recommended to store it for longer than this timeframe. After 5 days, the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage increases, which can compromise the safety and quality of the milk. If you need to store breastmilk for an extended period, it’s best to freeze it as soon as possible to preserve its nutritional content and safety.
Freezing breastmilk can help preserve its quality and safety for several months. When frozen, breastmilk can be stored for up to 6-12 months in a deep freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. However, it’s essential to follow proper freezing and thawing guidelines to ensure the milk remains safe and nutritious for your baby.
How should I thaw frozen breastmilk?
When thawing frozen breastmilk, it’s essential to follow proper guidelines to ensure the milk remains safe and nutritious for your baby. The recommended method for thawing frozen breastmilk is to place the frozen container or bag in the fridge overnight, allowing it to thaw slowly. You can also thaw frozen breastmilk by submerging the container or bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the milk is thawed.
Avoid thawing frozen breastmilk at room temperature or in warm water, as this can cause bacterial growth and compromise the safety of the milk. Once thawed, breastmilk should be used within 24 hours and can be stored in the fridge at 39°F (4°C) or below. If you don’t plan to use the thawed milk within this timeframe, it’s best to refreeze it as soon as possible.
Can I refreeze thawed breastmilk?
While it’s technically possible to refreeze thawed breastmilk, it’s not recommended. Refreezing thawed breastmilk can cause the formation of ice crystals, which can damage the milk’s cellular structure and compromise its nutritional content. Additionally, refreezing thawed breastmilk can increase the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage.
If you’ve thawed breastmilk and don’t plan to use it within 24 hours, it’s best to discard it or use it for other purposes, such as making breastmilk ice cubes or breastmilk soap. If you need to store breastmilk for an extended period, it’s best to freeze it as soon as possible and avoid thawing and refreezing it.
How should I handle breastmilk that has been left at room temperature?
If breastmilk has been left at room temperature (73°F to 79°F or 23°C to 26°C) for less than 4 hours, it can still be safely stored in the fridge or freezer. However, if the milk has been left at room temperature for more than 4 hours, it’s best to discard it, as the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage increases.
If breastmilk has been left in a hot car or in direct sunlight, it’s best to discard it immediately, as the high temperatures can cause rapid bacterial growth and compromise the safety of the milk. Always prioritize the safety and quality of breastmilk by following proper storage and handling guidelines.
Can I add freshly expressed breastmilk to frozen breastmilk?
No, it’s not recommended to add freshly expressed breastmilk to frozen breastmilk. When you add freshly expressed breastmilk to frozen breastmilk, the temperature difference can cause the frozen milk to thaw and refreeze, which can compromise its nutritional content and safety.
Instead, it’s best to store freshly expressed breastmilk separately from frozen breastmilk. If you need to combine multiple containers of breastmilk, it’s best to thaw the frozen milk first and then combine it with the freshly expressed milk. Always follow proper storage and handling guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of breastmilk.