Can you freeze mothers milk

After that, wash the bottles, nipples, and pump supplies in hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher after every use. They can transmit bacteria if not cleaned properly. The microwave can create dangerous "hot spots" in bottles of formula or breast milk, so you should never microwave them. Instead, you can run the bottle or freezer bag under warm water for a little bit, swirl the bag or bottle around in a bowl of warm water, or thaw the milk in the refrigerator.

You also can put your baby's bottles in a pan of warm water away from the heat of the stove and then test the temperature by squirting a drop or two on the inside of your wrist before feeding your baby. And bottle warmers are available for use at home or in the car. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size.

How do I store my breast milk? How long, exactly, can I store my breast milk? Store the milk in the back of the freezer, not in the door. Breast milk expands as it freezes, so do not fill the milk all the way to the top of the storage container.

Again store the milk in the back of the freezer, not the door. To thaw breast milk from the freezer: Put the bottle or bag in the refrigerator overnight, hold it under warm running water, or set it in a container of warm water.

Remember that heating breast milk in microwaves is not safe. Once breast milk is thawed: It can be stored in a refrigerator and must be used within 24 hours.

We know breast milk storage can be confusing, so here is a more conservative approach that you can also go by and easily remember : 4 hours at room temperature and 4 days in the refrigerator! Editor's Note: Although these breast milk storage guidelines are appropriate for babies born premature and those who are hospitalized, hospitals may have their own rules.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby for about 6 months. When you add solid foods to your baby's diet, continue breastfeeding until at least 12 months. You can continue to breastfeed after 12 months if you and your baby desire. She is the co-author of The Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers , a comprehensive manual written by a team of medical, nutrition, and culinary experts. Follow her on Instagram Pediatriciansguide.

She is passionate about empowering women with good health information. She was an editor at Parents, American Baby and Shape magazines.

Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. Health family. Advertiser Disclosure. By Kate Kelly. Expert Reviewed Amy Peterson is an international board certified lactation consultant and retired La Leche Leage leader based in Idaho. Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.

On the Counter You can leave freshly expressed or pumped breast milk out at room temperature—77 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler—for up to four hours.

Meanwhile, thawed breast milk can stay fresh at room temperature for one to two hours. In the Refrigerator You can keep freshly expressed or pumped breast milk in the refrigerator for up to four days—just make sure your refrigerator is 40 F or colder. In the Freezer While breast milk is safe in the freezer for 12 months, over time the quality of the milk decreases.

Defrosting Always thaw the oldest breast milk first. However, if you choose to warm the milk, follow these steps: Place the breast milk in a container of warm water for a few minutes. You can also run warm not hot tap water over the container for a few minutes.

Never warm breast milk for longer than 20 minutes. Breastfeeding Information for Families. Related Topics. Diabetes Nutrition. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website.