How to Store, Freeze and Defrost Breast Milk Safely
MOCHi
Let's make motherhood easier, together
How to Store, Freeze and Defrost Breast Milk Safely
You've just expressed, and every drop feels precious. So the next question comes quickly: where does it go, and how long will it keep? Here's a calm, simple guide to storing your milk, based on current NHS advice, so none of that hard work goes to waste.
Start Clean, Start Small
Wash your hands before you express, and use a sterilised container or bags made for breast milk. Store it in small amounts, roughly what your baby takes in one feed, or a little less. Smaller portions chill and thaw faster, and you're far less likely to pour good milk away at the end of a feed. Write the date on every bag or bottle before it goes anywhere. At 3am, you won't remember which one came first.
How Long Does Breast Milk Keep?
Storage times, at a glance (NHS guidance)
- Fridge, at 4°C or colder: up to 8 days. Keep it at the back, not in the door, where the temperature changes every time it's opened.
- Fridge that runs warmer, or you're not sure: if it sits between 5°C and 10°C, use the milk within 3 days. A cheap fridge thermometer takes the guesswork out.
- Ice compartment of the fridge: up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer, at -18°C or colder: up to 6 months.
- Cool bag with ice packs: milk that's already been chilled in the fridge can travel this way for up to 24 hours, handy for nursery drop-offs or a day at the grandparents'.
Freezing Without the Faff
Lay bags flat to freeze. They take up less room, stack neatly like files once solid, and thaw more evenly later. Leave a little space at the top, as milk expands as it freezes. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing, and keep milk away from raw meat and eggs. Using the oldest bag first is the easiest habit to build, so pop new bags at the back of the stack.
Defrosting and Warming
The gentlest way to defrost is slowly, in the fridge, ideally overnight. If you need it sooner, stand the bag in a jug of warm water or hold it under a warm running tap. Your milk may separate into layers, which is completely normal; a gentle swirl brings it back together.
Many babies are happy to drink milk straight from the fridge. If yours prefers it warm, heat it to body temperature the same way, in warm water. Never use a microwave or the hob, as they can create hot spots that could burn your baby's mouth.
Good to know
Once milk has been defrosted, use it straight away and never refreeze it. Once your baby has started drinking from a bottle, finish it within an hour and throw away anything left over. If your baby is premature or in hospital, ask the team caring for them how to store your milk, as the advice can be different. For any feeding worries, the National Breastfeeding Helpline is open 24 hours a day on 0300 100 0212.
MOCHi Breast Milk Storage Bags are designed to lie flat, stack neatly and help keep freezer odours out, so your milk is ready whenever you need it.
Shop MOCHiEvery bag in that freezer is love, saved for later. #MOCHiMums
Storage times and defrosting advice in this post follow current NHS guidance on expressing and storing breast milk. Always check with your midwife, health visitor or GP if you have concerns about your baby's feeding.
Leave a comment
Also in Mochi Baby
