Introduction to Storing Breast Milk
In my Dublin clinic, I often get asked about the best way to store breast milk. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I always recommend following the HSE guidelines for storing breast milk. You can also contact the HSE's breastfeeding support line on 1850 24 1850 or Cuidiú on 01 462 7468 for more information and support. In this article, we will go through a step-by-step guide on how to store breast milk safely, and I'll share some tips from my experience working with mums in Dublin.
For mums who need to express and store breast milk, a good quality wearable breast pump like TheRelievoo Wearable Pump can be a game-changer. Currently priced at €109.90, it's an affordable and convenient option for expressing milk on-the-go, whether you're at home in Rathmines or commuting to work in the city centre.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Breast Milk
How to Store Breast Milk Safely
- Label and date each container of expressed breast milk, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored
- Store breast milk in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf, where the temperature is most consistent
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags to store breast milk, and make sure they're BPA-free and designed for breast milk storage
- Store breast milk in small amounts (e.g., 60-120ml) to avoid waste and make it easier to thaw and use
How Many Hours Keep Breast Milk Can Be Stored
According to the cuidiú website, breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 hours, in the fridge for up to 5 days, and in the freezer for up to 6 months. It's always a good idea to check the temperature of your fridge and freezer to ensure they're at a safe level for storing breast milk.
Storage of Breast Milk Guidelines
The HSE guidelines recommend storing breast milk in the following ways:
- Room temperature: up to 6 hours
- Fridge: up to 5 days
- Freezer: up to 6 months
Common Mistakes to Avoid
How to Store Breast Milk in the Fridge
One common mistake is storing breast milk in the fridge door, where the temperature can fluctuate. Instead, store breast milk in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the bottom shelf. I recall a mum who stored her breast milk in the fridge door and ended up with a batch that had to be discarded due to temperature fluctuations - it was a shame, as she had worked so hard to express and store it.
I remember one mum, Sarah, who had been expressing and storing her breast milk for her premature baby in the NICU at Holles Street. She had been storing it in the fridge door, and when she went to use it, she found that it had spoiled due to the fluctuating temperature. She was devastated, but we were able to work together to find a solution and ensure that her baby received the best possible nutrition. Now, she always stores her breast milk in the coldest part of the fridge, and it's been a game-changer for her and her baby.
Can I Keep Adding to Stored Breast Milk
No, it's not recommended to add fresh breast milk to already stored breast milk. This can cause bacterial growth and contamination, which can be harmful to your baby. Instead, store each batch of expressed breast milk separately, and label and date it clearly.
Thawing and Handling Stored Breast Milk
How Long Can Breastmilk Be Stored in Fridge
According to the La Leche League of Ireland, breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water.
How Long Can Breastmilk Be Stored at Room Temperature
Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 hours, but it's best to use it within 4 hours for optimal quality. If you're expressing and storing breast milk while out and about in Dublin, consider using a cooler bag with ice packs to keep it cool and safe.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, storing breast milk safely is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of the milk. By following the HSE guidelines and using a good quality wearable breast pump like TheRelievoo Wearable Pump, mums can ensure their baby receives the best possible nutrition. For more information on wearable breast pumps, check out our article on Momcozy M5 NZ vs TheRelievoo: A Comprehensive Comparison. And if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your local HSE breastfeeding support team or Cuidiú on 01 462 7468.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How much time can mother's milk be stored?
A: Breast milk can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer, 5 days in the fridge, and 6 hours at room temperature. -
Q: How to store breast milk safely?
A: Store breast milk in airtight containers or freezer bags, label and date each container, and store in the coldest part of the fridge or freezer. -
Q: How many hours can breast milk be stored?
A: Breast milk can be stored for up to 6 hours at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge, and 6 months in the freezer. -
Q: Can I keep adding to stored breast milk?
A: No, it's not recommended to add fresh breast milk to already stored breast milk. -
Q: How long can breastmilk be stored at room temperature?
A: Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 hours, but it's best to use it within 4 hours for optimal quality. -
Q: How long can breastmilk be stored in the fridge?
A: Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Written by Aoife Byrne, IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (Dublin, Ireland)
Aoife is an IBCLC and mum of two based in Dublin. Since 2018 she has supported 500+ Irish families with breastfeeding, expressing and the return-to-work transition, and writes all TheRelievoo Ireland guides in-house with the product team. She is a member of the Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI) and volunteers with cuidiú.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Niamh O'Sullivan, MB BCh BAO, MICGP (Dublin)
