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: Write the date and time you expressed the milk on the bottle, bag or container.

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.