How Long is Breast Milk Good For

If you work and pump, you are probably wondering, how long breast milk is good for.  Depending on your method of storage of the breast milk, it can last for different amounts of time.

Freshly Expressed Milk

If you keep your expressed breast milk in a cooler with icepacks, your milk will stay fresh for 24 hours.  This is a convenient way for you to pump and then give your child’s caregiver milk for the next day without worrying about it spoiling.

photo credit: Marcel030NL

An interesting fact about breastmilk is that if left at room temperature for 8 hours, it actually has more immune factors then refrigerated milk! So if you leave a bottle out, don’t fret. It can safely be left on the counter for up to 10 hours.

Storing Milk in Fridge

Besides ice packs, the next best way to keep your milk fresh is to store it in a refrigerator because it will keep for up to 8 days.  If you take milk out of the freezer and place it in the fridge to thaw, you must use it within 24 hours.

Milk in the Freezer

Placing milk in your freezer will allow you to provide expressed milk to your baby anywhere from 3-6 months.  If you have a deep freezer, your milk will keep for up to 12 months.

More guidelines on how long breastmilk is good for are found here.

Tags: pumping