You did it—you pumped your milk. That’s a huge step!
Now comes the next part: keeping it safe, fresh, and ready to nourish your baby when they need it most.
If you're worried about how to store it, how long it lasts, or how to warm it—breathe easy. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to handle your milk stash with confidence.
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💡 1. Only combine milk at the same temperature
If you just pumped warm milk and want to add it to chilled milk, first cool the fresh milk in the fridge. Once both are the same temperature, it’s safe to combine them.
📅 2. Always label your milk with the date and time
This helps you use the oldest milk first and prevents waste.
🧴 3. Use BPA-free plastic or glass containers with plastic lids
Avoid metal lids—they may alter the milk’s composition.
🚫 4. Never use urine sample containers
They’re not food-safe. Always choose containers specifically made for breast milk storage.
🕓 At room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C):
Up to 6 hours
🧊 In the refrigerator (32–39°F / 0–4°C):
Up to 5 days
❄️ In a freezer compartment inside your fridge:
Up to 2 weeks
🧯 In a separate freezer (with its own door):
Up to 6 months
🥶 In a deep freezer (constant temp -18°C/0°F or colder):
Up to 12 months (best used within 6 months for optimal quality)
🚫 1. Never use a microwave
It creates hot spots that can burn your baby and destroys valuable immune properties.
💧 2. Warm milk gently in a bowl of hot water
No need to boil. Just place the container in warm water off the heat.
🕐 3. Once thawed and refrigerated, use within 24 hours
If you’re keeping thawed milk in a cooler bag with ice packs, use it within 4 hours.
🧊 4. Never refreeze breast milk once thawed
It loses quality and could become unsafe.
🍼 5. If your baby drank from the bottle but didn’t finish:
Use the leftover milk within 1 hour, then discard the rest.
Totally normal.
Refrigerated or frozen milk often separates, with a creamier layer on top and more watery layer below. That’s not spoilage—just natural fat separation. Swirl gently to mix.
Also, frozen milk may smell slightly different due to lipase enzyme activity breaking down fats. This change is harmless if the milk was stored properly and hasn’t expired.
Your breast milk is alive—rich in nutrients, immune support, and love.
Handled with care, it can keep nourishing and connecting with your baby, even when you’re apart.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need good information, simple tools, and the right support.
👉Schedule a tour to our hospital
Because from your chest… a whole universe of love begins. 🌌
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