Breast milk storage guidelines

*When using frozen breast milk, thaw it in a refrigerator overnight (for at least 12 hours) before use. If your baby likes it cold, gently swirl the thawed milk to mix the separated layers. If your baby prefers it warm, warm the milk by placing it in a bowl of warm water. Do not use hot water or a microwave as it can damage the live cells in breast milk.

 

            * Do not leave thawed breast milk at room temperature. If you forget to thaw the milk in the refrigerator, you can speed up the process by thawing it in a bowl of warm water.

 

            * Breast milk stored in breast milk bags will thaw faster than milk stored in bottles.

 

* Thawed breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Leftover milk from a feeding can also be refrigerated and used for up to the next feeding.

 

            * Do not refreeze thawed breast milk.

 

            * You can combine fresh and pumped milk in the same container with the previously stored milk in the fridge within the 24-hour period after the first storage.

 

* If you plan to use the milk within 8 days, you do not need to freeze it. Just store it in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze it, do so within 24-48 hours after pumping (the sooner you freeze it, the better).

 

            * Thawed breast milk may have a soapy or sour smell, but it is usually still safe to use as long as it does not smell rancid or have a strong off taste.

 

Note: Guidelines for storing breast milk above are general recommendations that can be applied. Any differences depend on each family's circumstances. If you are very concerned, it is not recommended to do so. However, if you think it might work, try it out. It may or may not work, but you will learn from the experience

 

Thank you for the information from the Thai National Breastfeeding Center