BIRTH TO 2 YEARS
The Ultimate Guide to Storing and Using Pumped Breast Milk
Breastfeeding is an incredible journey, and pumping has become an essential part of the process for many moms.
Whether you're heading back to work, looking for flexibility or want to build a backup stash, knowing how to store and use pumped breast milk properly is key to ensuring your baby gets all the nutrition they need.
27 Mar 2025
How to Store Pumped Breast Milk
Proper storage helps maintain all the essential nutrients in breast milk while keeping it safe for your baby. Here’s a quick breakdown of storage times:
Room Temperature (25°C or lower): Up to 4 hours. But let’s be honest if you live in a warm climate like India; this isn’t the most reliable option. Stick to refrigeration or freezing for safer, more predictable storage.
Refrigerator (≤4°C): Up to 4 days.
Freezer (-18°C or lower): Best used within 6 months but can be stored for up to 12 months.
Storage Tips To Keep In Mind:
Use BPA-free breast milk storage bags or plastic/glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
Label each container with the date and time so you always use the oldest milk first.
Leave a little extra space in containers since breast milk expands when frozen.
Store milk in small portions (60-120 mL) to avoid waste.
Keep breast milk at the back of the fridge or freezer where the temperature is most stable.
Organize your supply using a dedicated storage bin to prevent cross-contamination.
Thawing and Using Stored Breast Milk
Breast milk pumped at night is rich in melatonin, which helps regulate your baby’s sleep cycle. If possible, use night-pumped milk for nighttime feeds to support better sleep patterns.
When you’re ready to use stored milk, follow these steps to keep it safe and nutritious:
Refrigerator thawing: Move frozen milk to the fridge and let it thaw for 12-24 hours.
Warm water thawing: Place the container in a bowl of warm (not hot) water (around 37°C) until it reaches a comfortable temperature.
Never microwave - this can create hot spots and destroy valuable nutrients.
Once thawed, use within 24 hours and never refreeze thawed milk.
Tips for Feeding Stored Breast Milk:
Swirl (don’t shake) the milk to evenly mix the fat.
Test the milk’s temperature on your wrist (it should feel warm, not hot.)
If your baby doesn’t finish a bottle, use it within 2 hours or discard it.
Plan ahead by thawing the next day’s milk overnight in the fridge.
Use an insulated cooler bag with ice packs if transporting breast milk.
How Can You Build A Freezer Stash Easily:
Pump a little extra after morning feeds when the milk supply is highest.
Use the “1 extra pump a day” method to slowly build a stash.
Rotate your supply - always use the oldest milk first to prevent waste.
Storing and using pumped breast milk doesn’t have to be complicated!
A little planning goes a long way in making your feeding routine smooth and stress-free. Whether you're exclusively pumping, combining breast and bottle feeding, or just saving some for later, these tips will help you maximize both your time and breast milk!
