Storing expressed milk

Safe ways to store your milk so nothing goes to waste

How to store expressed milk

Breast milk must be expressed into a sterilised bottle or specially designed breast milk freezer bag or container that can then be sealed and (if the bottle has not been fed from) stored:

• In the coolest part of the fridge (usually at the back) for up to 5days, at 4°C or lower

• In the freezer compartment of the fridge for up to 2 weeks

• In a freezer for up to 6 months

In the freezer

Cool and freeze your breast milk, as soon as possible after expressing.
 
 

Defrosting

• Thaw frozen breast milk in a fridge or lukewarm water and use it within 24 hours

• Once defrosted and warmed to room temperature, your milk must be used immediately or thrown away

• Don’t refreeze it

• Don’t use a microwave to defrost or warm it as it causes uneven heating which could scald baby’s mouth

• Remember to shake the bottle thoroughly and check temperature before feeding  

Remember to use a steralised container to put the milk in. You can store milk in the fridge at 4°C or lower for up to 5days. Breastmilk can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the ice compartment of a fridge or for up to six months in a freezer. If you are freezing breastmilk because your baby is premature or ill, ask the staff caring for your baby for advice.

For more information on breastfeeding & storing breastmilk click here to visit the NHS site.