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Storing Breast Milk

Table of Contents


Overview

Breast milk can be released (expressed) by hand or with a pump. Then the milk can be stored to feed your baby later. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer for certain amounts of time. Storing breast milk properly can help keep it safe to feed to your baby.

Why store breast milk?

Storing breast milk lets you feed your baby later or allows someone else to do it. This can help if you're going back to work or will be gone during a feeding. It's also a way to give your baby breast milk if they can't breastfeed.

How long can you store breast milk?

Breast milk can be stored in the following ways:

How can you store breast milk safely?

Here are tips for storing breast milk safely.


Credits for Storing Breast Milk

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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