Breast Milk Expression & Storage
It is extremely important to express and store breast milk safely!
As breast milk is not sterile, it is imperative that you take the time to follow the recommended guidelines by HPB when pumping, storing, and using express milk (fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried) in the safest manner.
This page reflects the current recommendations of the HPB as of February 2023.
Expressing breast milk
You can express your breast milk manually by using your hands or with a manual / electric breast pump. For more information on expression, check out some helpful tips here.
HOW TO EXPRESS BREAST MILK WITH A BREAST PUMP:
1. Wash hands thoroughly before expressing milk.
2. Ensure all the equipment is clean and sterilised.
3. Start your pump at low suction level and increase to a level you are comfortable with. Pump each breast for about 20 minutes.
4. Express your breast milk every 3 hours and store the breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer.
Storing & thawing breast milk
STORAGE GUILDELINES:
Expressed milk at room temperature of 25°C – 4 hours
Expressed milk in a cooler with ice pack at 15°C – 24 hours
Freshly expressed breast milk stored in fridge at 4°C – 48 hours
Frozen milk in 2-door fridge stored at -5°C to -15°C – 3–6 months
Frozen milk in deep freezer at -20°C – 6–12 months
Thawed breast milk stored in the fridge at 4°C – 24 hours
THAWING GUIDELINES:
- Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or in a cup of warm water
- Use the milk immediately and discard the leftovers
- Do not boil or heat breast milk in a microwave
- Do not re-freeze or re-warm the breast milk
Additional Information
Loveee reading more info? Here's a condensed reference list for your indulgence ;)