How to store breast milk
- First clean and dry your hands well before handling breast milk
- Put the breast milk into a clean container designed to store the milk
- Close the container well and write the storage date on it
- When storing breast milk, it is recommended to store it inside the main compartment of the refrigerator and away from the doors to prevent any possible spoilage due to temperature changes.
before using stored milk
- Always check the date on the milk carton before use
- Do not use milk that has not been dated or that has been stored for a long time
- Thaw frozen milk in the freezer by placing it in the refrigerator until it thaws, or by placing it in cold running water
- Heat the milk by placing it in warm, running water
- In the event that warm water is not available, heat a pot of water on the stove until the water becomes warm and not boiling, then remove the pan from the stove and place a bowl of milk on it
- Never heat a milk container directly on the stove
- Never heat milk in a microwave because microwaves can cause dangerous hot spots that can burn you or your baby.
- Always test the temperature of the milk on your wrist
- The milk should be warm, not hot
- After thawing frozen milk, if you store it in the refrigerator, the period should not exceed 24 hours
- Never refreeze thawed milk and discard previously frozen milk that has not been used within 24 hours.
The duration of milk storage and the required temperature
1- When storing milk at room temperature
- If the temperature is 15 degrees Celsius (60 Fahrenheit), the storage time is 24 hours
- If the temperature is 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit), the storage time is 4-6 hours
- If the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), the storage time is 4 hours
2- When stored in the refrigerator
- The refrigerator temperature is always 0-4 degrees Celsius (32-39 Fahrenheit) - the storage period is 3 days
3- Store in the freezer
- Freezer (compartment) inside the refrigerator - storage period is two weeks
- Freezer, as is, storage period 3-4 months
- Deep Freezer at a constant temperature of -17 degrees Celsius (0 Fahrenheit) - storage period 6-12 months
The Cimilre_SA team wishes you a safe and healthy maternity journey and always recommends that you follow the health guidelines and use the dedicated milk preservation tools, and you can find them in our store from here