Storing expressed breastmilk

Choosing a container

Before you decide on a storage container for your expressed breastmilk, think about how you will be using it. You might consider whether you will be freezing it, storing it in your work fridge, transporting it or using it the same day.

Storage containers for expressed breastmilk must be suitable to freeze (if required) and be food grade and BPA-free. They may include:

baby-feeding bottles
plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids
zip-lock bags.

If your baby is in hospital, ask the hospital staff if they supply containers or if they have requirements about containers.

Storing breastmilk

Seal the container of expressed breastmilk (EBM) and clearly label with the date. Place the container in the back of the fridge or the freezer. This is usually at the back away from the door.

If you want to add freshly expressed breastmilk to some that is already chilled or frozen, you need to first cool it in the fridge. Add it, then put it straight back into the freezer or fridge.

Breastmilk storage guidelines

Breastmilk	Room temperature (26°C or lower)	Refrigerator (5°C or lower)	Freezer
Freshly expressed into container	6 to 8 hours If refrigeration is available, store milk there	No more than 72 hours Store at the back, where it is coldest	2 weeks in freezer compartment inside refrigerator (-15°C) 3 months in freezer section of refrigerator with separate door (-18°C) 6 to 12 months in deep freeze (-20°C*)
Previously frozen - thawed in refrigerator but not yet warmed	4 hours or less (ie the next feeding)	Store in refrigerator 24 hours	Do not refreeze
Thawed outside refrigerator in warm water	For completion of feeding	Hold for 4 hours or until next feeding	Do not refreeze
Baby has begun feeding	Only for completion of feeding, then discard	Discard	Discard

*Chest / upright manual defrost deep freezer that is opened infrequently and keeps temperature.

Reproduced with permission from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Infant Feeding Guidelines (2012).

Cool freshly expressed breastmilk in the fridge before adding it to other chilled or frozen expressed breastmilk.

Safety information about storing expressed breastmilk

Breastmilk should not be frozen or heated more than once. You will need to throw away any used breastmilk so offer small amounts at a time to your baby to avoid wastage. A If your baby needs more, prepare another small amount.

Storage containers should be cleaned thoroughly before use.

Talk to your doctor or midwife about any extra steps required if your baby is premature or sick. Breastmilk is best supplied fresh daily for a sick baby.

Transporting breastmilk

You may need to carry your EBM from one place to another. The weather and travel time will affect how you should transport it.

In the cooler months, or if you have only a short distance to travel, you may not need to do anything special while transporting it. If it's a warm day or you have a longer drive, keep your milk cool in an insulated bag.

If frozen milk defrosts, use it within 24 hours. It is not safe to refreeze the milk.