How long is breast milk good in the fridge?

Elizabeth - posted on 11/15/2009

In New Zealand, we get instructed that it can be left at room temp for 4 hrs, in the back of the fridge for 48hrs (minus any time that it was at room temp) and in the freezer for 3-6 mths (depending on freezer type).

When I buy *pasteurised* cows milk, it's usually good for a week to 10 days. I'm not sure what about breast milk would mean that it would last as long in the fridge without being similarly treated?

Lindsey - posted on 11/15/2009

all the answers are different. wic, as well as the hospital breastfeeding specialist, as well as the medela (www.medela.com) say this

breastmilk storage guidelines (for healthy term babies)

freshly expressed milk at room temp 66-72degrees is good for 4 hours. ***in my opinion if you leave milk out for more than 4 hours that you just pumped it starts to settle, and smell.. its like how long would you leave out milk that you drink.

cooler with 3 icepacks 59 degrees for 24 hours,

in the fridge breast milk is good for 5-7 days, fridge freezer for 3-4 months and deep freezer for 6-12 months

thawed breastmilk that was frozen: do not REFREEZE, and milk that is out from the freezer is only good for 24 hours.

hope this is helpful, everything that i have read is 4 hours for fresh milk. i think that 10 would be way too long.

Heather - posted on 11/14/2009

According to the american academy of pediatrics breast milk can set at room temp for 5 hours, refrig for 5 days, freezer section for 5 months, deep freezer for 12 months

Rebecca - posted on 11/14/2009

Fresh pumped milk can be stored at:

Room temp for 10hrs

In a cooler with ice pack for 24hrs

In the fridge for 7-10 days

In a freezer inside the fridge 3 months

In a freezer (with its own compartment) 6 months, but do not store on the door

In a chest freezer or deep freeze 12 months

Dusty - posted on 11/14/2009

This is from the back of my Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage bags:



At room temp. (66-72F) 10 hours

In a refridgerator (32-39F) 8 days

In a freezer compartment in a refridgerator - 2 weeks

In a freezer compartment with a separate door - 3-4 months

In a separate deep freeze (0 F) 6 months or longer



You can also check out www.lansinoh.com to see how long breast milk is good for in the fridge.

Lindsey - posted on 11/15/2009

all the answers are different. wic, as well as the hospital breastfeeding specialist, as well as the medela (www.medela.com) say this

breastmilk storage guidelines (for healthy term babies)

freshly expressed milk at room temp 66-72degrees is good for 4 hours. ***in my opinion if you leave milk out for more than 4 hours that you just pumped it starts to settle, and smell.. its like how long would you leave out milk that you drink.

cooler with 3 icepacks 59 degrees for 24 hours,

in the fridge breast milk is good for 5-7 days, fridge freezer for 3-4 months and deep freezer for 6-12 months

thawed breastmilk that was frozen: do not REFREEZE, and milk that is out from the freezer is only good for 24 hours.

hope this is helpful, everything that i have read is 4 hours for fresh milk. i think that 10 would be way too long.

Dusty - posted on 11/14/2009

This is from the back of my Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage bags:



At room temp. (66-72F) 10 hours

In a refridgerator (32-39F) 8 days

In a freezer compartment in a refridgerator - 2 weeks

In a freezer compartment with a separate door - 3-4 months

In a separate deep freeze (0 F) 6 months or longer



You can also check out www.lansinoh.com to see how long breast milk is good for in the fridge.