How long can breast milk be kept refrigerated?

There are many ways to preserve breast milk. Depending on the storage method, the shelf life can be long or short. If it is stored in the refrigerator, it can be stored for about eight days. If it is stored in the freezer, the storage time is longer, up to 3 to 4 months. If it is deep frozen, the storage time can be more than half a year, which is also very important for working mothers.

Breast milk refrigeration storage time

1. Storage in the refrigerator: Breast milk can be stored for 8 days at 0-4℃.

2. If it is a small freezer box in the refrigerator, the shelf life of breast milk is two weeks.

3. If the freezer is separate from the refrigerator, but the door is frequently opened and closed to take items out, the shelf life of breast milk is 3-4 months.

4. If it is in a deep freezer, the temperature is kept below 0°C and the door is not opened often, breast milk can be stored for more than 6 months (unless there are special circumstances, it is recommended not to store it for such a long time).

Breast milk storage time

Generally speaking, there are two ways to preserve breast milk. One is when the mother works in a company, and because the company does not have refrigeration equipment, breast milk can only be stored at room temperature. Breast milk stored at room temperature has a short shelf life. Mothers should make sure to mark the time on the bottle containing breast milk to prevent their babies from drinking expired breast milk and developing digestive tract diseases.

Breast milk storage time at room temperature:

Colostrum (milk expressed within 6 days after delivery): can be stored for 12 hours at room temperature of 27-32℃.

Mature breast milk (milk expressed 6 days after delivery): can be stored at room temperature of 15°C for 24 hours; at room temperature of 19-22°C for 10 hours; at room temperature of 25°C for 6 hours.

Stored breast milk will decompose into two separate layers: milk water and milk fat. It may look a little blue, yellow or brown, which is normal. Before feeding the baby, the mother should shake the mixture well to combine the water and milk into one.

How long is the best time for working mothers to breastfeed?

The latest maternity leave regulations in our country are 98 days, which means that many new mothers have to go to work during the breastfeeding period; the breastfeeding time for working mothers is also in line with the above recommendations. Before going to work, mothers can express breast milk by hand or with a breast pump into sterilized bottles and store them in the refrigerator. When the baby needs to feed, slowly warm it up with hot water (once refrigerated breast milk has been heated up, it cannot be refrigerated again even if the baby is not fed and must be discarded). Continuing to breastfeed is also a great way to keep you and your baby close and make up for the time you're away from your baby.