Returning to work while breastfeeding or pumping can bring plenty of questions, including one of the most practical: How should I store my breast milk at work?
You have several options. You can pump directly into bottles, transfer milk to storage bags, or use an insulated breast milk chiller when a refrigerator isn’t convenient. The best choice depends on your workspace and what makes pumping easiest during your workday.
Pump into bottles
One option is to pump directly into bottles, cap them, and place them in the refrigerator.
If your baby will use the milk the next day, bring the bottles home at the end of your workday and place them in your refrigerator.
A few tips can make this routine easier:
- Have several sets of bottles and caps available.
- Bring clean bottles back to work.
- Label bottles with your name.
- Store milk toward the back of the refrigerator rather than in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate. If the refrigerator opens often or you have many of the same bottles in the fridge, consider putting milk in a cooler bag with an ice pack. This will give you peace of mind for temperature control and allow for easy identification of your milk.
Breast milk storage bags
Another option is to pump into bottles and then pour the milk into breast milk storage bags. If your insurance covers breastfeeding supplies, you may receive plenty of storage bags, making them a convenient option for work.
When using storage bags:
- Label each bag: Use a permanent marker to note the date and general volume of milk.
- Keep it cold: Pack the bags in your cooler bag with ice packs or place them in the refrigerator at work.
- Use it the next day: Bring refrigerated milk home and use it the next day if that’s your plan.
- Freeze extra milk: If you have more milk than your baby will need or you don’t work the next day, freeze it when you get home.
- Keep a few at work: Even if storage bags aren’t your first choice, they make a great backup if you forget bottles or insulated containers.
Insulated breastmilk chiller
If you don’t have convenient access to a refrigerator, an insulated breastmilk chiller has cooling element inserts or space to add ice to keep your milk cold.
Some insulated breastmilk containers allow you to pump directly into them. These are convenient if you travel for work.
Know your breast milk storage guidelines
Understanding basic storage guidelines will help you appropriately use pumped milk at a later time for your baby.
According to the CDC:
- Room temperature: Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at 77°F or colder for up to 4 hours.
- Refrigerator: Breast milk can be stored for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Breast milk is best used within about 6 months, although up to 12 months is acceptable.
Insulated cooler: Store breast milk with ice packs for up to 24 hours.
If you won’t use refrigerated milk within 4 days, the CDC recommends freezing it sooner.
When freezing breast milk, consider storing it in smaller amounts, such as 2 to 4 ounces or the amount your baby typically drinks at one feeding. Leave just a little space at the top because milk expands as it freezes.
Always use containers or bags specifically designed for breast milk storage. Label the milk with the date it was expressed and use the oldest milk first.
Find a routine that works for you
There isn’t one right way to store breast milk at work. You might use bottles most days, storage bags when you have extra milk, and a breast milk chiller when refrigerator access isn’t convenient.
The goal is to create a routine that makes pumping and storing milk manageable during your workday.
For more information about safe breast milk storage, visit the CDC’s Breast Milk Storage and Preparation guidelines.
If you have questions about pumping, milk storage, returning to work, or maintaining your milk supply, Transitions Into Parenting can help. Contact us to learn more about our lactation and parenting services.