Breast milk.. how long can it sit?

Question

So at the hospital I was told breast milk can sit out for four hours be refrigerated for four days and in the freezer for six months fresh pumped milk. Well today and glow it says that they can sit out for eight hours it’s completely different than what I was told does anybody know any research on this? First time mom..

Answer

I don’t think there’s an exact science. I was told six hours, six days, six months by my lactation consultant. I have magnets from various breastmilk organizations that differ slightly from one another.

Answer

They’re al different but 8 hours seems to be the maximum. I pump before bed and leave his bottle at room temperature so I don’t have to go downstairs in the middle of the night with a crying, hungry baby. Some days he sleeps so long; it’s really pushing the 8 hours. But as long as it doesn’t smell, it’s usually fine. My breastmilk has no smell at all when freshly pumped but then gets a weird cows milk smell to it and that’s when I dump it... thankfully that’s only happened once!

Answer

I’m a milk bank donor and their rule is 30mins so I typically use that rule if I’m pumping to store.. if it’s to bottle feed my son then I use the 4 hour rule

Answer

The less time it sits out, the better. 6 hours is my cap. But try tasting it. Off it tastes at all off, out it down the drain. Try to always keep a little cooler with ice packs in your car.

Answer

I also use the six hour rule personally. I have gone eight hours before during the night and everything was fine. I wouldn’t go longer than that though

Answer

Also, each baby is different in what they will tolerate. My daughter would not drink refrigerated milk that was more than a day or two old. It still seemed fine to me but she wouldn’t have it. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Answer

When I was pumping the last time I breastfed, my MIL set me up with an insulated bottle bag and a blue ice pack for overnight pumping, just to be sure the milk didn't go bad while I avoided leaving the room at night. It was a great help!

Answer

Just smell it if you’re worried. Spoiled breast milk smells sour, similar to spoiled cows milk.

Answer

Always check CDC guidelines!

Answer

Thanks so much for the insight ladies! So nice to know 6 hours is what most of you follow!

Breast milk.. how long can it sit?

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