STORAGE OF EXPRESSED BREAST MILK (EBM)

For Home Use:

Breast Milk	Room Temperature	Refrigerator	Freezer
Freshly expressed into a closed container.	6–8 hrs. (26ºC or lower) If refrigeration is available; store milk there.	No more than 72 hours. Store in back, where it is the coldest.	2 weeks in freezer compartment inside refrigerator (15° C). 3 months in freezer section of refrigerator with separate door (–18°C). 6–12 months in deep freeze (–20°C**)
Previously frozen—thawed (in refrigerator but not warmed).	4 hours or less (ex: the next feeding).	Store in refrigerator 24 hours.	Do not refreeze.
Thawed (outside refrigerator in warm water).	For completion of feeding.	Hold for 4 hours or until next feeding.	Do not refreeze.
Infant has begun feeding.	Only for completion of feeding, then discard.	Discard.	Discard.

**Chest or upright manual defrost deep freezer that is opened infrequently and maintains ideal temperature.

For Hospital Use:

Type	Location	Storage Temperature (degrees celcius)	Duration of Storage
Fresh expressed breast milk.	Room temperature	15-20 degrees	Discard after 4 hours (time from pumping and removal from refrigerator)
Fresh expressed breast milk.	Refrigerator	0-4 degrees	Discard after 48 hours
Expressed breast milk with additives.	Room temperature	15-20 degrees	Discard after 4 hours (time from pumping and removal from refrigerator)
Expressed breast milk with additives.	Refrigerator	0-4 degrees	Discard after 24 hours
Thawed expressed breast milk.	Refrigerator	0-4 degrees	Discard after 24 hours
Frozen expressed breast milk.	Freezer within a refrigerator (one door)	Less than 0 degrees	Discard after 2 weeks
Frozen expressed breast milk.	Freezer attached to refrigerator top, bottom or side (two door)	Less than 0 degrees	Discard after 3-4 months
Frozen expressed breast milk.	Deep freezer	-18 to -20 degrees	Expressed breast milk may be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months

References:

1. Maternity breast milk: Safe management <http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/>

2. <https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/breastfeeding-and-work/expressing-and-storing-breastmilk>

3. Expressed breast milk; Safe management, Alberta Health Services