These guidelines are for milk expressed for a full-term healthy baby

To avoid waste and for easier thawing & warming, store milk in 1-4 ounce HUMAN MILK STORAGE - QUICK REFERENCE CARD portions. Date milk before storing. Milk from different pumping sessions/days Temperature Storage Time may be combined in one container – use the date of the first milk expressed. Breastmilk is not spoiled unless it smells really bad or tastes sour. Freshly expressed milk Warm room 79°F / 25°C 4-6 hours To thaw milk • Thaw slowly in the refrigerator (this takes about 12 hours – try putting it in Room temperature 66-72°F / 19-22°C 10 hours the fridge the night before you need it). Avoid letting milk sit out at room Insulated cooler / icepacks 60°F / 15°C 24 hours temperature to thaw. • For quicker thawing, hold container under running water - start cool and Refrigerated Milk (Store at back, away from door) gradually increase temperature. Refrigerator (fresh milk) 32-39°F / 0-4°C 8 days Previously frozen milk may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after it (thawed milk) 24 hours has finished thawing. Do not refreeze. Frozen Milk (Do not refreeze! Store at back, away from door/sides) To warm milk Freezer compartment inside • Heat water in a cup or other small container, then place frozen milk in the Varies 2 weeks water to warm; or refrigerator (older-style) • Use a bottle warmer. Self-contained freezer unit Varies 3-6 months • NEVER microwave human milk or heat it directly on the stove. of a refrigerator/freezer ...