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Breastfeeding and Working

Breastmilk Collection and Storage

Collecting Breastmilk

First, wash hands well.
Wash breastpump equipment that contacts the containers in a dishwasher or by hand, in hot, soapy water. Rinse with cold water and air dry on a clean towel. Check with your hospital or doctor for any other instructions.
When to pump depends on you and your baby's schedule. Your milk supply usually is most plentiful in the morning, so that is a good time. Try to pump midway between feedings. Be flexible. If your baby skips a feeding, nurses a shorter time than usual, or only nurses on one side, pump out the rest of the milk and save it. If you are planning to return to work and continue breastfeeding, begin pumping one to two weeks before you return. Try to simulate what your pumping schedule will be at work.
Before pumping, get comfortably seated and relaxed. Pump your breasts according to the breastpump manufacturer's instructions.

Storage

Breast milk should be collected and stored for safe use in specially designed plastic bags, bottles or containers using the following guidelines:

Always label storage containers with the date and amount of milk collected.
Though breast milk will be safe for four hours at room temperature, immediate refrigeration is recommended. Note—Before you return to work, find out if there is a refrigerator available for your use. If not, rent or purchase a cooler if one is not included with your pump.
Fresh milk may be stored in the refrigerator for up to five to seven days at 39°F. Frozen milk may be stored in the back of the freezer portion of a refrigerator-freezer for up to six months or in a deep freezer (-20°C) for up to 12 months.
When using plastic bags, use only those designed for breast milk collection. Before storing, fold the top several times and seal with freezer or masking tape. Place smaller bags in a larger bag to help protect against punctures.
Freeze your milk in two to four ounce portions. These smaller amounts thaw more quickly, and you will waste less milk if your baby consumes less than you anticipated.
You may continue to add small amounts of cooled breast milk to the same container throughout the day. Chill milk in the refrigerator until evening. Then, freeze in appropriate amounts.
You may add to already frozen milk. First refrigerate all freshly expressed milk until it's cold, and then add it to the frozen milk. Keep in mind that breast milk tends to expand when frozen.

Note—Human milk varies in color, consistency and odor, depending on the mother's diet and the container used.

Defrosting Frozen Breast Milk

Place milk in the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it. Refrigerator defrosting takes approximately 12 hours. Or, place the milk under warm running water or in a pan of warm water. Don't use hot water, as this can destroy some of the milk's immunological components.
Defrosted milk may be kept for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Never microwave breast milk! Microwaving can change the milk's composition, alter its proteins and vitamins, and can burn your baby.
Fat in breast milk will separate and rise to the top. By gently swirling the container, you can mix any fat that may have separated.
Never refreeze thawed breast milk.
Discard any breast milk you don't use during a feeding.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.