Storage of breast milk in the short medium and long term

Guidelines and standards for safe handling of human milk

 By following specific guidelines, breast milk storage can be adapted to different needs in the short, medium and long term. Below we review the main storage standards and recommendations for the management of expressed breast milk.

 

Storing breast milk at room temperature

Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for a limited period of time, depending on the temperature of the environment:

• At temperatures between 15°C and 25°C: the milk can be stored for up to 8 hours.
• At temperatures above 25°C: it should not be stored for more than 4 hours.

These intervals preserve the nutritional properties of the milk and reduce the risk of bacterial proliferation, thanks to breast milk's natural ability to protect itself. In fact, breast milk contains living cells, such as macrophages, which play an active role in preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria, helping to maintain the microbiological balance of the milk even several hours after it has been expressed. In other words, breast milk, even when stored at room temperature for some time, has a lower bacterial growth rate than other foods.

 

Storing breast milk in the fridge

For longer storage, breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator. The ideal storage temperature is between 0°C and 4°C. As a general rule, breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for
 

• 24 hours if intended for preterm babies
• 48 hours for full-term babies
   

It is important to place milk containers in the back of the fridge, where the temperature remains constant, and to avoid storing them in the door, which is subject to frequent temperature changes.
 

Storing breast milk in the freezer

If you want to store breast milk for a long time, the freezer is the ideal solution. Breast milk can be frozen at or below -18°C or -20°C, depending on the type of freezer. Here are some specific guidelines:
 

• In the freezer compartment of a refrigerator (around -15°C): up to 2 weeks.
• In a vertical freezer (about -18°C): up to 3 months for premature babies and up to 6 months for full-term babies.
• Chest freezer (around -20°C): up to 6 months.
   

These temperatures and storage times ensure that the milk retains its nutritional properties and microbiological safety. In healthcare, the use of a medical freezer is essential to ensure strict temperature control and milk quality, especially in breast milk banks and neonatal intensive care units. 

 

Methods for thawing and warming breast milk

Breast milk must be thawed carefully to preserve its nutritional properties. The best method is gradual defrosting in the refrigerator, which can take up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can use the bain-marie method, which involves immersing the container in lukewarm water to speed up the process, but avoid high temperatures that could alter the milk's nutrients.
Once thawed, milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but should not be refrozen. Thawed and heated milk should be used immediately or discarded. It is preferable to use a bottle warmer to heat the milk, as microwaving can affect the quality of the milk and does not guarantee even heating.

 

Container types and transport tips

The choice of container for storing breast milk is equally important: it is advisable to use containers specifically designed for storing breast milk, preferably made of glass or rigid plastic that does not contain bisphenol A (BPA). In addition, each container should be labelled with the date of collection to ensure proper stock management.

During transport, it is essential to maintain the cold chain by using professional portable medical refrigerators, especially if a long transport time is expected.

Advanced solutions for the safe storage of breast milk: Evermed's HMBR

Proper storage of breast milk is essential to maintain its nutritional quality and ensure the safety of the newborn. By following the correct guidelines, milk can be safely stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator or in the freezer. In clinical environments, where long-term storage must be guaranteed to exacting standards, advanced equipment must be used. Evermed's HMBR medical refrigerator provides a reliable and accurate solution for storing human milk. Designed specifically for hospitals, clinics and breast milk banks, the HMBR maintains a constant and safe temperature, which is essential for preserving milk quality and supporting premature or special needs babies. Thanks to advanced technology and compliance with the highest health standards, the HMBR is an indispensable tool for the safe storage of human milk.

Contact Evermed for more information!