You can express your milk and store it in clean containers. Your family or a sitter can feed it to the baby. This way, your baby gets the benefits of your milk even when you can't be there at feeding time. The guidelines below are based on guidelines from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Type of storage
Details about storage
Storage times
Room temperature
At room temperature (up to 78°F or 26°C)
Tip: Keep the container clean, covered, and cool.
Up to 4 hours
Refrigerator
In a refrigerator (less than 39°F or less than 4°C)
Tip: Place milk in the back of the main section of the refrigerator.
Up to 4 days
Freezer
In a freezer (0°F or -17°C)
Tip: Store milk toward the back of the freezer.
Never refreeze milk after it has been thawed. Once it is thawed, use right away or refrigerate no longer than 24 hours.
6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable if stored in deep freezer at -4°F (-20°C) or colder
Always use a clean container to collect and store milk. Never pour warm expressed milk into a bottle with cold milk. And be sure to label and date each bottle or bag of milk. To store milk safely, see the chart above.
Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or in a bowl of warm water. It’s a good idea to warm refrigerated milk before using it. For your baby’s safety:
Use the oldest milk first.
Warm a container of milk by putting it in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes. Or use a bottle warmer set on low.
Gently swirl the milk to mix it. Then place a few drops on your wrist. The milk should be near room temperature.
Don’t put the milk in a microwave. This could create pockets of hot liquid that can burn your baby’s mouth.