How long does breast milk last?

Question

I will need to pump once I go back to work....how long can I store the milk before it goes bad?

Answer 1

Everything you need to know about pumping:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/index.html

Breastmilk storage:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html

Freshly expressed milk
Warm room 79°F / 25°C 4-6 hours
Room temperature 66-72°F / 19-22°C 10 hours
Insulated cooler / icepacks 60°F / 15°C 24 hours

Refrigerated Milk (Store at back, away from door)
Refrigerator (fresh milk) 32-39°F / 0-4°C 8 days
Refrigerator (thawed milk) 32-39°F / 0-4°C 24 hours

Frozen Milk (Do not refreeze! Store at back, away from door/sides)
Freezer compartment
inside refrigerator (older-style) Varies 2 weeks
Self-contained freezer unit
of a refrigerator/freezer Varies 3-6 months
Separate deep freeze 0°F / 19°C 6-12 months

Answer 2

Put it like this: the more you pump the more your body produce, but the less you pump or expell, the less and less your body will makes. The breasts are amazing because they will make just enough and a lil bit more when it comes to milk. So if you stop pumping it's not gonna be like a stock pile... Your body tells the glands to fall back on the milk production, so really it depends on you and how long you can pump. It is really hard for working or busy mothers to breast feed for long because it takes a lot of time out. You have to empty that milk about every 2-3 hours each day. So you're pumping or either feeding a lot each day. I breastfed for 2 months and I think I did okay with me having a busy schedule, it was hard. I rented an electric double pump and since my baby was a preemie I couldn't put her to breast, so I had a stock pile since she didn't eat too much yet. But all I can tell you is while you're on leave, pump as much as you can. And you'll know when it's time to pump because your breast will get sore and they can hurt and they'll leak--- use nursing pads..... But you can store it in the fridge for about 48 hours, so date it, and in the freezer for about 4 months so definetly date it! And do not put it in the freezer door because it can't thaw and unthaw out. But if you feel too overwhelmed to do it when you go back to work, just pump what you can, and then start to transition to formula. Even if you breast feed for a few days, it's better than not at all, so do what you can and stay on a schedule, because your milk production will decrease since you can't sit down and pump all day, so just be ready for that.

Answer 3

I bf both of kids and I pumped at work until they were 1 year. I know that milk in the refrigerator is good for maybe 3-5 days but after that you can't freeze it. If you freeze it from the start I would freeze it for no longer than three months. See what I would do was freeze it and send to the day care the oldest milk, so I could continue switching it w/out going bad.
kellymom.com is a great website that explains all that and breastfeeding.com
HTH

Answer 4

that's advised you refrigerate your milk at present after pumping. it would in user-friendly words be used for some hours out of the refrigerator. It lasts about 3 days contained in the refrigerator. that's strong 4-6 months contained in the freezer and as a lot as 8 months (i imagine) in a deep freezer. wish this facilitates!

Answer 5

There is a group called Le Leche League and they have a web site. That is where I went to get all my information. It lasts in the refrigerator for 8 days, room temperature for 10 hours, and freezer for 3-6 months. Check it out for yourself, there is alot of good information on the site. www.lalecheleague.org

Answer 6

Up to 2 days at 4 degrees (celcius) and up to 6 months at -20.

Answer 7

You can store it in the fridge for about 3 days and in the freezer
for 3 -5 months.
You can store the milk in your offices fridge and then freeze it when you get home. Be sure to properly mark it though, so your co-workers aren't using it as cream for their coffee.

Answer 8

You can freeze it for a couple of months. Otherwise it is like regular milk only worse because you probably don't have a well-sterilized pump and storage containers.

Answer 9

If you freeze it, it will stay good for a month. If you plan to breast feed after you go back to work you will need to pump in order to maintain your supply and to be comfortable.

Answer 10

DEAR IN THE ICE BOX LOWER (48) HOURS IN THE FREEZER PART UP TO ONE YEAR OK I HOPED THIS HELPS YOU OUT MY FRIEND JUST DID THIS TOO SO I DO UNDERSTAND IT TAKE CARE GOOD LUCK.