How long can you keep freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator? I've seen both 8 days & 12 hours.

Answer 1

in a refrigerator (32-39°F, 0-4°C) for up to 8 days
CONGRATS FOR BREASTFEEDING!! WHOO HOO! THE WORLD'S BEST BABY FOOD!!!

Storage Guidelines
Storing milk in 2-4 ounce amounts may reduce waste. Refrigerated milk has more anti-infective properties than frozen milk. Cool milk in refrigerator before adding to frozen milk.

Human milk can be stored

at room temperature (66-72°F, 19-22°C) for up to 10 hours
in a refrigerator (32-39°F, 0-4°C) for up to 8 days
in a freezer compartment inside a refrigerator (variable temperature due to the door opening frequently) for up to 2 weeks
in a freezer compartment with a separate door (variable temperature due to the door opening frequently) for up to 3 to 4 months.
in a separate deep freeze (0°F, -19°C) for up to 6 months or longer.
What Type of Container to Use

Refrigerated or frozen milk may be stored in:

hard-sided plastic or glass containers with well-fitting tops
freezer milk bags that are designed for storing human milk
Disposable bottle liners are not recommended.

How to Warm the Milk

Thaw and/or heat under warm, running water.

Do not bring temperature of milk to boiling point.

Gently swirl milk before testing the temperature. Swirling will also redistribute the cream into the milk. (It is normal for stored milk to separate into a cream and milk layer.)

Do not use a microwave oven to heat human milk.

Thawed Milk

If milk has been frozen and thawed, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours for later use. It should not be refrozen. It is not known whether milk that is left in the bottle after a feeding can be safely kept until the next feeding or if it should be discarded.

Answer 2

Breast milk can safely stay at room temperature for 10 hours. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 8 days. In the freezer for 3-4 months and in a deep freeze for up to 6 months.

Answer 3

There are many different speculations as to how long to keep the breastmilk. The one with most consensus is a week in the refrigerator, three months in a refrigerator freezer, and up to six monnths in a deep freezer. I have five children and have followed that consensus ever since the first one and have had no problems. In the hospital I was given information to call the La Leche League. It is a organization of women for breastfeeding women. You could give them a call or an e-mail.

Answer 4

If it's just in the fridge you should only keep it for 24 hours, but expressed breast milk can be frozen and stored in the freezer for a month.

Answer 5

Sorry I'm not sure the length of time to chill but if you don't want it to spoil and aren't going to use it for a while....you can freeze breast milk. Just google it.

Answer 6

I always heard 3 days. So thats what I did, but it never lasted that long, I couldn't keep up since I HAD to pump it so I switched to formula. Don't feel guilty if that is something you have to do. (My nipples are flat by the way)

Answer 7

3 Days, also check out your local "La Leche League" I don't know if they have a website but they have guidelines for this as well as freezing milk.