How long you can safely store expressed breast milk depends on the method of storage used.
Room Temperature
Expressed breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 6 hours. If it is especially warm in the room, it is safer to store the breast milk in a cooler or refrigerator until needed.
Refrigerator
Expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-8 days. It is best to store it in the back of the refrigerator to keep its temperature constant.
Freezer
Expressed breast milk can be safely stored in freezer for up to 3-6 months. For a chest freezer, it can be safely stored for up to 6-12 months. It is best to store it in the back of the freezer to keep its temperature constant.
Thawed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Breast milk can be frozen to have on hand whenever needed. You can store breast milk in the freezer for up to 3 to 6 months. If in the fridge, it will last up to 5 days.
Breast milk can last in the freezer for up to 6 months before it should be discarded.
Thawed frozen breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It is not recommended to refreeze thawed breast milk.
Breast milk can last at room temperature for up to 4 hours before it needs to be discarded.
Warmed breast milk can last up to 2 hours at room temperature before it needs to be discarded.
No, breast milk is made by supply and demand. That very full filling when breast milk first comes in doesn't last long.
Frozen breast milk can last in the fridge for up to 24 hours before it needs to be used or discarded.
Defrosted breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before it needs to be used.
Thawed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before it needs to be discarded.
Breast milk can last up to 4 hours at room temperature, but it's best to use it within 2 hours to ensure its freshness and safety for the baby.
Breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours after being warmed up. After that, it should be discarded.