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From the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, the breast milk storage rules are as such: Freshly expressed human milk may be stored safely at room temperature (10–29°C, 50–85°F) for some period of time. Studies suggest different optimal times for room temperature storage because conditions vary greatly in the cleanliness of milk expression technique and the room temperature.
Warmer ambient temperatures are associated with faster growing bacterial counts in stored milk. For room temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C (29°C = 85°F), 4 hours may be a reasonable limit. For very clean expressed milk with very low bacterial counts, 6–8 hours at lower room temperatures may be reasonable, but it is best to chill or refrigerate as soon as possible if the milk will not be used during that time.
Comments
This may sound odd, but are these time frames straight from breast to storage conditions? Example, if I pump and put milk in the fridge for two days then move it to the freezer, can it still be stored frozen for 6 months?
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Legendairy Milk replied:
Good question, yes! However, if you don’t think you will use freshly expressed breast milk within 4 days, freeze it right away. This will help to protect the quality of the breast milk.
We just realized our deep freezer has been set to 10 degrees instead of 0 degrees. Everything is in frozen blocks, is that still acceptable?
How long does milk last when you take it out of the freezer? Any tips for defrosting milk that’s been frozen for months?
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Legendairy Milk replied:
Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It is recommended that milk be used within 1 year from the date of expression for optimal nutrition. Milk that is kept at or below -18°C/0.4°F(just under half a degree Fahrenheit) is indefinitely safe from bacteria, but may begin to lose some of its nutritional components.
How long does milk last once you take it out of the refrigerator? For example taking it on the go. I was told it was only good for an hour.
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Legendairy Milk replied:
Great question! Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, it must be used within 2 hours.
