breastfeeding-411

One of the most common questions I am asked is, "how long is my milk good?" Below is a basic timetable and links to more information on breast milk storage.

HUMAN MILK STORAGE

Temperature Storage Time

Freshly expressed milk
Warm room 79°F / 25°C 4-6 hours
Room temperature 66-72°F / 19-22°C 10 hours
Insulated cooler / icepacks 60°F / 15°C 24 hours

Refrigerated Milk (Store at back, away from door)
Refrigerator (fresh milk) 32-39°F / 0-4°C 8 days
Refrigerator (thawed milk) 32-39°F / 0-4°C 24 hours

Frozen Milk (Do not refreeze! Store at back, away from door/sides)
Freezer compartment inside refrigerator (older-style) Varies 2 weeks
Self-contained freezer unit of a refrigerator/freezer Varies 3-6 months
Separate deep freeze 0°F / 19°C 6-12 months

*These guidelines are for milk expressed for a full-term healthy baby.
If baby is seriously ill and/or hospitalized, discuss storage guidelines with baby's doctor.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html
http://www.llli.org/faq/milkstorage.html
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm (interestingly enough the times here seem to very the most of the three listed links)

A constant question that I am asked is "How do I know my baby is eating enough if I'm only breastfeeding?" Two basic things are good indicators, weight gain, and diapers. It really is that simple. Each baby will gain on it's own curve so it's not about gaining x amount in x amount of time, just that your baby is gaining on a steady curve. Diapers are a great way to know that your little one is getting enough. 5-6 wet diapers a day and you know your tiny is getting what they need. Breastfed babies can poop 2 times a day, every other day, some even go only once a week. Every baby is different. So long as you are seeing the wet diapers, then you are good. If you are concerned, try to schedule and appointment to go in for a weighed feeding at either your pediatrician's office, local LLL chapter, or find a local Lactation Consultant to help you out.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/enough-milk.html
http://www.llli.org/faq/enough.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/FL00105