The Rule of 6 | Breast Milk Storage Tips
Breast Milk Storage | Quick Tips
As a general rule, when it comes to storing breast milk…
Fresh expressed breast milk is good at ROOM TEMPERATURE for 6 hours.
Fresh expressed breast milk is good in the REFRIGERATOR for 6 days.
Fresh expressed breast milk is good in the FREEZER for 6 months.
Once breast milk has been frozen and thawed it needs to be used within 24 hours.
While the CDC has slightly different guidelines, below you will find our recommendations. The CDC is overly cautious with their guidelines because they are primarily geared towards hospital use. However, we want you to know what the limits are so you are not wasting any of that precious liquid gold!
Note: these storage recommendations are based on the knowledge that you are practicing good hygiene techniques and keeping your breast pump clean and sanitized as you are supposed to.
WHAT IS THE RULE OF 6?
The rule of 6 is: 6 hours on the counter at room temperature, 6 days in the fridge, 6 months in the freezer. Your breastmilk should always be stored in sanitized/sterile containers. Almost all breastmilk storage bags are sterile.
HOW TO STORE EXPRESSED BREAST MILK
Store your freshly expressed milk in the fridge or freezer, depending on when you will use the milk, in sterile breast milk bags or airtight bottles. We recommend storing in smaller amounts (2-4 ounces per container) in order to minimize waste. You may also want a few 1 ounce bags in case you need just a small amount. Place the containers in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where the temperature is the coolest. If you are out and about, you can use freezer packs to keep the milk cold until you are able to put it in the fridge/freezer (within 24 hours depending on your ice pack). If you need ice packs, we highly recommend the Medela ice pack as it is specifically designed to stay frozen for 24 hours.
HOW TO THAW BREAST MILK
Thaw the oldest milk in the fridge/freezer first. The ideal way to thaw is by placing the milk in the fridge 12 hours or so before it is time to use it. This will allow ample time for it to thaw and also keep it from getting hot spots. If you are in a pinch, you can thaw breast milk in lukewarm water or in a bottle warmer. Remember: “Human milk is a fresh, living nourishment containing many antioxidant, antibacterial, prebiotic, probiotic, and immune-boosting properties in addition to proteins, essential fats, enzymes, hormones, etc, many of them are uniquely human-coded.”. Thawing breast milk in the microwave or on the stove can damage the immunological benefits. The milk only needs to be room temp, not hot. After all, it is body temp when it is expressed. Once the milk is thawed, it needs to be used within 24 hours. Never refreeze thawed milk and use within 2 hours once it is at room temp.
STORAGE TIPS
Freeze your breast milk flat, then you can place upright to maximize storage in your freezer.
Label the container with the date, amount and special notes if baby is sick as your breast milk changes to adapt to their needs. If you take the milk to daycare, ensure you label the milk with your child’s name.
Store milk in the back of the fridge/freezer where the temperature is the coolest.
Use your flange as a funnel to pour breast milk into the storage container!
Sterilize your pump parts daily to ensure you get maximum storage time for your milk.
-Montika Collins, BS, BSN, RN, CLC, IBCLC