BM storage guidelines

AZAmy77 · July 2013

I'm guessing I know the answer to this, but wanted to check to be sure. I know that the guidelines for premies breast milk storage is different than term babies. Do we need to follow the stricter guidelines the whole time or is it just the first few months until they catch up?

mcarter127 · July 2013

What do you mean it's stricter? I have a micro preemie & the guidelines are the same...fresh milk is ok in the fridge for 4 days, thawed for 24 hrs, frozen is good for 6 months in a regular freezer & 12 months in a separate deep freezer. They did say to make sure the deep freezer is not opened often so I only transfer milk into it every 3-4 days. I hope that helps, I've never heard anything different than the above.

Brummy14 · July 2013

I've also heard nothing about stricter storage guidelines -- the LCs in the NICU told us about the same guidelines you always hear, in general.

AZAmy77 · July 2013

Interesting - my hospital gave me "premie" guidelines - good in fridge for 48 hours and good in regular freezer for 3 months.

I have a decent freezer stash and am worried about not using some of it in time for those deadlines. I think I'll ask my pedicatrician at my next appointment

dandywarhol · July 2013

My NICU gave us the guidelines that BM can be refrigerated if it will be used within 48 hours. Milk frozen in a standard refrigerator freezer is good for about 3-4 months. BM frozen in a commercial deep freezer (-20c) is good for about 6 months.

PhillyGal34 · July 2013

Kellymom has "stricter" preemie guidelines and so did my nicu. They told me when he came home I could start following the regular guidelines.

Eta I had an insane freezer stash and never would've been able to use it under the preemie guidelines. My son had no problems with any of the milk even the stuff that had been in our chest freezer for a while.

Want a personalized experience?

BM storage guidelines

Re: BM storage guidelines

Choose Another Board

Search Boards