If you are breast feeding, and planning on going back to work or even leaving your baby for a couple of hours with a care taker, handling pumped breast milk can be a little confusing. Every now and then, when I exclusively pumped for an entire year, I still looked through a guide on how long breast milk can be in the freezer, refrigerator or in room temperature.
I kept Medela’s breastmilk guideline handy on my phone, in my pump bag, on my fridge, and even at my in-law’s fridge.
When I made the commitment to exclusively pump, I researched many articles, read books, and visited websites that offer tips on proper breast milk handling. The most helpful sites that I recommend are:
However, throughout that year of exclusively pumping. I learned more through trial and error. For example, check out which breast milk storage bag I prefer over the other in this post: Lanisoh vs. Medela Storage Bags. Also, which bottles I used to serve my son his breastmilk in my Bottle Feeding Recommendation post.
If you are planning on pumping milk here are important collecting, storing, and thawing tips that I have learned:
I created these tips as images so that it can be easily pinned! If you are new to pumping and have any questions please feel free to ask me! I love answering questions. I know when I have my second child, and if I plan on pumping again I will still need reminders on these tips.
Please check out my post on Tips for Exclusively Pumping Moms if you haven’t done so already. Do you have any extra tips for pumping and storing breast milk? If so, leave a comment below! I hope you all have a beautiful Monday, and a great week!
References:
The Memoirs of a mommy 
Great post, girl! This sure brings memories haha. I love Medela and everything about that company! Their guide is the most straightforward and easy to follow BM storage info I've found anywhere. That's amazing that you pumped for a year! I exclusively pumped too, though for just 5 months.
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That is just as great, Kelly! It does bring back memories 🙂
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Great info for the liquid gold!
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Thanks so much for the tips! I've been lucky enough to not have to pump but with #3 who knows I might. Pinning so I have for future reference.
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I don't pump, ever. If I need to be somewhere my baby can't be then I must not really need to be there haha. I do watch my best friend's son so there is expressed milk at my house and I am forever forgetting how long it can be in the fridge or on the counter! Great resource!
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This is a very informative post ! Great tips.
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Great information Danica, I remember needing this info when the kids were tiny, this is a great resource for mommas 🙂
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Great resource! I am past this stage with my kids already, but very helpful info for new mothers!
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I could have used this information over the last year! I JUST stopped pumping two weeks ago. Great resources. Thank you!
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