How long can breast milk be stored?
Are you unsure how long breast milk can last? Get clear guidelines for storage, thawing, and how to safely use your milk.
When you start expressing milk, the question quickly arises:
How long does breast milk last – and how do you store it correctly?
It's important to know this so you can safely use your milk and ensure your baby gets the best.
How long does breast milk last?
The shelf life depends on how the milk is stored.
Generally:
- At room temperature (approx. 20–25°C): up to 4 hours
- In the refrigerator (approx. 5°C): up to 3 days
- In the freezer (-18°C): up to 6 months
The faster the milk is cooled, the longer it lasts.
How to store breast milk correctly
Good hygiene and proper storage are crucial.
It is a good idea to:
- use clean containers designed for breast milk
- label the milk with the date
- place the milk at the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable
Small routines make it easier to keep track of shelf life.
How to thaw breast milk?
Frozen breast milk should be thawed gently.
This is best done by:
- thawing it in the refrigerator
- or placing it in lukewarm water
Avoid using a microwave, as it can destroy nutrients and cause uneven heating.
How long does thawed breast milk last?
Once milk is thawed, its shelf life changes.
Thawed breast milk can:
- last up to 24 hours in the refrigerator
- not be refrozen
Therefore, it's a good idea to thaw smaller portions at a time.
Can you smell if the milk is bad?
Breast milk can change its smell after storage without necessarily being bad.
If the milk smells very sour or unpleasant, it should be discarded. Otherwise, it can usually still be used.
It's about reassurance – not perfection
It might seem like a lot of rules, but in practice, it's about creating a safe environment.
By following the basic recommendations, you can safely store and use your milk.
When you pump and store milk
If you pump milk regularly, it can also affect your milk production and the rhythm of breastfeeding. You can read more about how to support production here:
https://mybelly.dk/blogs/amning/oeg-maelkeproduktion
Sources:
Sundhed.dk
