How long before unrefrigerated breast milk is unusable?

Question

I pumped milk yesterday at work and put it in a little cooler in my briefcase. Got out my briefcase this morning and saw that I forgot to put it in the fridge last night. The reusable ice in the cooler was probably melted by midnight of last night.

I remember reading somewhere that breast milk stays good for an abnormally long time at room temp, but can't remember exactly *how* long.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

I have a magnet that says 10 hours. It came with my ameda breast pump. That is with fresh breast milk- not thawed. Thawed is only good at room temp for one hour.

Answer 2

It depends on the temperature of the environment. If the environment is cool, it can last eight hours as long as it is freshly pumped (vs. heated up). It's very easy to tell if the milk is going bad - it will stink just like cow's milk, with a sour smell. BM does not stay good for an abnormally long time - it can turn rancid just like any other milk if left out for too long in a warm environment. Since your milk was for a good part of the night in a cool bag it should be ok but do the sniff test to be sure.

Answer 3

Medela storage guidelines say 4 hours at room temperature (66-72 degrees F). Other websites say up to 6 hours at 79 degrees F or up to 10 hours at 66-72 degrees F.

I probably wouldn't use it though I'd be mourning the waste of that liquid gold!

Answer 4

my medela magnet from the hospital says 6 hrs at room temp! Everywhere says something different. I first read up to 8 hours, So I go by 8.

Answer 5

Breast milk usually lastes up to maybe 10 or 11 hours yet formula is up to 24 hours. i wouldnt give the milk to your baby though.

Answer 6

4 hours

Answer 7

Well, if i am not mistaken the milk stored @ room temp. must be use within 10hours.. milk store in the refrigerator use be use within 8days... milk stored in a freezer can last up to 3months.. if you have a deep freezer milk can last up from 6months-12months...
you probably already use them..but i store my milk in zip up bags made special for storing breast-milk.. they are so easy and defrost in warm water with no problem
Good Luck!!

Answer 8

UUUGH, I hated it when I did that. I read 8-10 hours also.

Answer 9

They say 10 hours. Its amazing stuff!

Answer 10

http://www.milk.com -- or ask your doctor,..