How long can unrefrigerated breastmilk be stored?

QUESTION: I was unable to get Tarryn successfully latched on, but refused to abandon breastfeeding completely. I began pumping immediately out of the hospital and plan to continue for 1 year. I have been blessed with a great milk supply and need to know storage rules. I have purchased a Medela "pump in style" and would love to use every bit of the milk I express. How long can breastmilk be preserved before being refrigerated? once refrigerated? once frozen in a separate freezer (not deep freeze)? once warmed for baby and not finished in that feeding? Thank you for your help
 

According to the book "Breastfeeding: A Mother's Gift" by Pamela K. Wiggins, IBCLC:

Breastmilk can be kept in the refrigerator for about 5 days, and up to two weeks in the freezer section of your refrigerator. It will keep three months or longer in a deep freeze. Because it is so fresh, it will keep up to 10 hours at room temperature without spoiling.

Frozen breastmilk should be thawed out under warm running water. Never thaw it out in a microwave, because it will destroy some of the valuable nutrients, and it could cause dangerous "hot spots" that might burn the inside of your baby's mouth.

Collect and store the breast milk in hard plastic bottles, or disposable nursing bags. Only put two or three ounces in each bottle because your baby may not take any more than that at a feeding and any unused milk will have to be thrown out. You can always thaw out another bottle if the baby needs it. Always write the date on it and use the oldest milk first.

Hope this helps, and thanks for checking with us!

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