(Video uploaded 10/2024)

Transcript

Breastmilk should be stored in sterilised milk bottles or clean air-tight milk storage bags, which are labelled clearly with date. Store in small portions which are close to the typical amount consumed by your baby each feed, to avoid wasting milk that might not be finished. Plan on when the milk will be used, and store milk either in the back of the freezer or upper shelf of the refrigerator, but not the door.

The duration of milk storage varies at different temperatures:

• Freshly expressed breastmilk can be kept at room temperature (25 ℃ or colder) up to four hours; thawed milk taken from freezer can be kept at room temperature (25 ℃ or colder) for one to two hours
• Freshly expressed breastmilk can be kept in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs up to 24 hours
• Freshly expressed breastmilk can be kept in refrigerator (4 ℃) up to four days; thawed milk taken from freezer can be kept in refrigerator (4 ℃) up to one day, counted from the time when it is completely thawed
• Freshly expressed breastmilk can be kept in a freezer (-18 ℃ or colder) up to 6 months

Do not refreeze any thawed milk taken from freezer. If you do not plan to use freshly expressed breastmilk within 4 days, freeze it right away. Remember do not put freshly expressed breastmilk directly into frozen milk. Freshly expressed breastmilk need to be chilled in the refrigerator for about an hour before adding to the frozen milk. And the amount of frozen milk should be more than that of the chilled breastmilk to avoid defrosting the frozen milk.

If you want to store breastmilk for preterm or sick babies, please consult healthcare professionals.