Expert Secrets: How to Safely Store and Protect Breast Milk

“Mother’s milk is, I think, a symbol of compassion. Without mother’s milk we cannot survive, so our first act as a baby together with our mother is sucking milk from our mother, with a feeling of great closeness. At that time, we may not know how to express what love is, what compassion is, but there is a strong feeling of closeness. From the mother’s side also, if there is no strong feeling of closeness toward the baby, her milk may not flow readily. So, mother’s milk is, I think, a symbol of compassion and human affection.”

–The Dalai Lama

Hey Mama, 

Welcome to Healthy Mum and Bub, your compassionate partner and knowledge bank, committed to supporting you as you embark on this incredible journey of motherhood. 

Being a new mom can be overwhelming. You have countless decisions to make, all with your baby’s well-being at the top of your mind. One of the most critical is deciding how to store breast milk—liquid gold, which is precious to you and your baby.

Breast milk is the only source of nutrition for newborn babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside solid food until at least two years of age, as it provides essential nutrients and antibodies needed for the healthy growth and development of the baby.

That said, we also understand that in the present days, storing breast milk has become a necessity, especially for working moms who are trying to balance motherhood and work. If you are a new mom thinking of starting to store breast milk and overwhelmed with storage options, this comprehensive guide on storing and using breast milk will make the journey a little easier for you.

Without any further ado, let us understand the goodness and composition of breast milk, for starters. 

Breast Milk Composition

According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, every infant has the right to good nutrition. Breast milk, hailed as the golden standard of newborn nutrition, is a precious elixir with the right amount of nutrients and bioactive factors that benefit your baby’s immune system and boost overall development. These include:

• Proteins aid in easy digestion, support kidney function, boost immunity, defend against infections, and foster cognitive and sensory development.
• Fats act as nourishing building blocks for the baby’s brain development with high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as DHA and AA, and the lipase enzyme adds another layer of nurturing care.
• Carbohydrates, in the form of lactose, act as a natural sugar in breast milk, and complex carbohydrates like oligosaccharides contribute to nurturing healthy microflora in the intestine, strengthening the gut barrier function, and protecting against harmful pathogens.
• Vitamins and trace minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium are present abundantly in breast milk. The high bioavailability of iron aids in high absorption rates in babies. Selenium, a powerful antioxidant in breast milk, protects every cell and promotes a healthy immune function.
• Immune cells and antibodies, including white blood cells, defend against infections and illnesses.
• Growth and development substances play a vital role in promoting optimal growth and brain development of the infant. Several hormones present in breast milk regulate functions necessary for the development of a baby.

Breastfeeding fosters a strong bond between mothers and their babies, primarily through the release of hormones like oxytocin, which promotes feelings of love and connection. That said, we also acknowledge that circumstances may arise where direct breastfeeding isn’t possible. Expressed milk serves as an excellent alternative, retaining crucial nutrients, healthy fats, and immune factors with a sprinkle of your love.

You can also uncover top tips to bond with your baby here: 

Storing and Using Breast Milk 

Breast milk storage largely depends on when you want to use it. Depending on the feeding time and duration of storage, you can store breast milk at different temperatures for a set period.

The storage timeline, as per the recommendation of WHO, can help maintain the safety and quality of expressed breast milk. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 8 hours), in the refrigerator (up to 8 days), or in a freezer (up to 6 months or 12 months). Below is a tabular representation of WHO recommendations to preserve this liquid gold for your little one.

You can also refer to the table below for any doubts about using breast milk that has been thawed and warmed up for feeding.

Best Practices for New Mama!

Remember, every drop of breast milk is a precious gift for your baby. Here are some essential tips for expressing and storing breast milk to ensure your baby receives the best nutrition and nourishment they need, even when you are away. 

“Mothers and babies form an inseparable biological and social unit; the health and nutrition of one group cannot be divorced from the health and nutrition of the other.”

–World Health Organization

Before expressing or handling breast milk

• Before starting, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if needed. 
• Whether you prefer to express by hand or with a manual or electric pump, remember to inspect the equipment for cleanliness.
• If using a pump, remember to inspect the equipment for cleanliness. Check the pump kit and tube for any signs of mold and replace them as needed. 
• Prioritise your health and hygiene by cleaning pump parts and any surfaces that come into contact with the pump to prevent the spread of germs.

Storing breast milk after expressing

• Mothers can safely store their expressed milk using milk storage bags or clean food-grade containers. Choose containers made of glass or plastic with tight-fitting lids to maintain the freshness and quality of the breast milk. 
• Follow the recommendations of WHO to store freshly expressed or pumped milk (chart given above).
• Be sure to clearly label breast milk with the date and time of expressing milk to track its freshness.
• Avoid keeping the expressed milk container in the refrigerator or freezer door; opting for a spot deeper inside helps shield it from temperature fluctuations when the door is opened and closed frequently.

Freezing breast milk

• Store breast milk in small amounts, typically 2 to 4 ounces, or the amount your baby consumes in one feeding to avoid any wastage.
• Remember to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container when freezing the milk, as it expands during the process. 
• If you need to leave your child with a caretaker, label the container with your baby’s name clearly, along with instructions for feeding.

Safe thawing of breast milk

• Remember the first-in, first-out rule. Always thaw the oldest breast milk first. Over time, the quality of breast milk can decrease.
• Never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed.

Feeding expressed breast milk

It is not necessary to warm breast milk before serving. It is safe and perfectly fine to offer breast milk at room temperature or even cold. However, if you prefer to warm the milk, here are some simple tips to keep in mind:

• Ensure the container is securely sealed to prevent contamination.
• Place the sealed container in a bowl of warm water or hold it under warm, not hot, running water for a few minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Before feeding your baby, test the milk’s warmth by placing a few drops on your wrist to ensure it is comfortable for your baby.
• Never heat breast milk directly on the stove or in the microwave, as this may damage its beneficial properties.
• If your baby doesn’t finish the bottle in one feeding, make sure to use the leftover milk within 2 hours of heating to keep it safe for your baby’s delicate tummy. After this time frame, it’s best to discard any remaining milk to prioritise your baby’s health and well-being. 
• If your stored breast milk smells bad or stinks, discard it; it’s spoiled.

After Every Use

Germs and bacteria can thrive in milk. To safeguard your baby from infection during development, always meticulously clean and sterilize feeding bottles before and after each use. Take extra care with these steps to clean and sterilise any or all parts of the breast pump kit that have been in contact with milk to safeguard your baby’s health during this critical stage of growth and development.

• Disassemble the pump kit and separate all parts that come into contact with breast milk, such as flanges, valves, membranes, connectors, and milk collection bottles, washing them thoroughly.
• After each pumping session, promptly clean all pump parts that came in contact with breast milk. 

• Use a bottle brush to scrub the insides of bottles, teats, and various components like caps and rings thoroughly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Remember to have a separate bottle brush dedicated solely to this purpose.
• Carefully clean, sanitise, and store pump equipment, baby bottles, and other feeding items to protect your breast milk from contamination. 

Final Thoughts

Breast milk is undeniably the healthiest choice for your little one, packed with all the essential nutrients they need. 

Storing this liquid gold allows your baby to continue reaping its benefits while giving you the flexibility to balance your work and life without compromising your baby’s nutritional demands.

Your expressed breast milk is a precious gift to your baby, and it is essential to take good care of it—and yourself!

Stay healthy and happy, and know that you are an amazing mother!

About the Author

Sudeepa Bose