How Long Can You Keep Breastmilk?

• You can refrigerate breast milk for three to five days.
• Freeze it for three to six months.
• Don't freeze milk if you plan to use within three to five days. Freezing destroys some of the antibodies. Frozen breast milk is still healthier than formula.
• You can keep milk that's been frozen and thawed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but don't refreeze it.
• It can be in a deep freezer the longest because it is not opened and closed often. It can be stored 6 months, or longer. I got a deep freezer before we had Mica just because I knew I'd need it. I used it a lot!
  
• If you feel like you have too much milk, your supply will decrease as your baby gets older, or sick. It's a good idea to stock up for later.
  
• Hospitals do take donated milk.
• I found this excellent chart on a site called: Storing and Transporting Breast Milk.
  

• Breast milk contains live antibodies that kill bacteria. Since bacteria is what causes milk to spoil, the antibodies in breast milk will keep it fresh longer than formula.