1. This may be done when mothers work or are not going to be home for feedings and want the baby to drink from a bottle.

2. Collect by hand expression, breast pump, or with milk cups.

3. Collect in a clean container; label container with date milk was expressed.

4. Glass, plastic bottles, or double-bagged nursers may be used.

5. Chill, then freeze. Pour chilled milk on top of frozen.

6. May store in refrigerator 24 to 48 hours only.

7. Milk can be kept in back of freezer for several months.

8. To defrost, run under cold, then warm water, then shake.

9. Discard defrosted milk that the baby does not use.

10. Milk to be transported should be placed in an insulated bag, frozen, or packed with ice.

11. Storage

a. Milk may be kept at room temperature.

1) Colostrum: 12 to 24 hours
2) Mature milk: 6 to 10 hours

b. Hospitalized infants: Milk should be refrigerated within 1 hour of expressing.

c. Milk may be refrigerated.

1) Mature milk up to 5 days
2) Hospitalized infants up to 48 hours

d. Milk may be frozen for

1) 2 weeks in a freezer compartment located inside a refrigerator

2) 6 months in a separate door refrigerator/ freezer (frost free)  (3 months for hospitalized infants)

3) 6 months to 1 year in deep freezer, 0' F or below

e. Warming milk

1) Thaw or heat by placing container in warm water; human milk heats to a comfortable feeding temperature in about 10 minutes.

2) Shake before testing temperature.