So, you’ve managed to pump some of your precious white gold breastmilk! 🥳 And now you’re wondering how to store breastmilk properly. Mumma, storing your milk might seem like just another chore on your never-ending to-do list, but trust me, it’s important for your baby and your breastfeeding journey! Picture this: you’ve pumped your heart out, only to find your precious milk spoiled because it hasn’t been stored properly – talk about crying over spilt milk! Proper milk storage makes sure your baby safely gets the best nutrition from the milk you worked so hard to pump for them. So, let’s tackle this together and help your baby get the nourishment they deserve, hassle-free!
Keeping Your Little One Happy & Healthy: Why Good Breastmilk Storage Matters
First things first, Mumma. Storing breastmilk is not just about convenience; it’s about keeping your baby safe and healthy. Think of it as your way of providing the best nutrition, even when you’re away from your baby. Storing your milk safely reduces and slows bacteria build up that can be dangerous for bub. It also helps to preserve all the good stuff in your milk – the nutrients, antibodies and other special parts that help with baby’s growth and development, and protect baby from getting sick. These goodies can break down more quickly if the milk is not stored properly. Knowing the right way to store your milk will give you peace of mind knowing that your baby is getting the best, whether you’re at work, out for a date night, or catching some much-needed rest.
Mastering Breastmilk Storage: 4 Top Tips
Now, onto the juicy part – how to store breastmilk like a pro. Here are four tips to get you started:
1. Label and Date
Always label your breastmilk containers with the date you pumped it. This helps you keep track of freshness and so you can easily use the oldest milk first. This way you can avoid having to throw out milk that’s accidentally been stored too long.
2. Use Clean Containers
Make sure your storage containers are clean before pumping and storing milk. This reduces the risk of contamination and keeps your milk safe for your baby. If bottles and pumping equipment have only had contact with breastmilk (not formula), you can just wash in warm, soapy water. There’s no need to sterilise.

3. Make sure milk is the same temperature before mixing
If you want to combine milk from your most recent pumping session with some milk you already have stored in the fridge, keep them separate at first. Put the new milk into the fridge separately, and once it’s cold, then you can mix the two.
4. Temperature Matters
Store breastmilk in the back of the fridge or freezer where temperatures are more consistent. And remember, breastmilk can be stored at room temperature for 6-8 hours (if it’s less than 25oC), in the fridge for up to 3 days, in a standard freezer for up to six months, and in a chest freezer for up to 12 months.
Can you see how simple it can be to store breastmilk safely, Mumma? With these tips, you’ll be a pro in no time!
To wrap it up, storing breastmilk doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these essential tips, you can make sure that your baby safely gets all the nourishment they need, even when you’re not there. So, next time you pump, remember to store breastmilk like a boss!
If you have any questions about this info or you have other breastfeeding questions, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM me on Instagram and let me know 😊
If you have questions or concerns, you might like to get in touch with an IBCLC to help you to work out what’s going on and develop a plan that suits your individual situation. You can book a home visit or online consultation with me below.
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