When returning to work after having a baby, finding ways to store pumped breast milk can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have access to a refrigerator or freezer. Proper storage is important for preserving the nutrients in breast milk and preventing spoilage and contamination. Thankfully, there are several effective options for safely storing breast milk at work without a refrigerator.
Why Proper Storage of Breast Milk Matters
Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babies and contains antibodies that protect against illness and infection. However, it can spoil quickly when left unrefrigerated. Bacteria from the skin or environment can contaminate the milk. Spoiled or contaminated milk puts the baby at risk of gastrointestinal illnesses and infection. Additionally, important nutrients in the milk, like proteins, fats, and antibodies can break down over time. Refrigerating or freezing helps preserve breast milk and prevent spoilage.
The storage method you choose depends on how long you will be away from baby and how much milk you expect to pump. Having multiple options ensures you can safely store milk no matter where your work takes you.
Guidelines for Storing Breast Milk
To maintain safety and optimal nutrition, follow these general guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for storing breast milk:
- Room temperature: Up to 4 hours is safe if the room is less than 77°F
- Insulated cooler bag: Up to 24 hours is safe with ice packs
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days is safe at 39°F or cooler
- Freezer compartment inside a refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks is safe if freezer maintains temperature at or below 5°F
- Deep freezer: Up to 6 months is safe if constantly at 0°F or below
Always label milk storage containers with the date pumped so you know how long it has been stored. It’s best to use the oldest milk first. Do not save milk past these time limits.
Storing Milk Without Refrigeration
When you won’t have access to a refrigerator at work, aim to use the milk within 4 hours. Here are some effective storage solutions:
Insulated Cooler Bag
An insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs can keep milk cold for up to 24 hours. The bag should be only opened when necessary to maintain the cool temperature inside. Look for bags designed specifically for transporting breast milk that are BPA-free. The best ones have a hard inner shell rather than soft sides only. Pack the bag with several frozen ice packs and limit the times you open it. Store milk in the back of the bag furthest from the opening. This simple storage method works well for an average workday.
Thermal Milk Storage Bags
Special thermal bags designed for breast milk storage help milk stay cooler longer than regular plastic bags or bottles. These often have double bag designs with insulating air pockets between the layers. Some brands claim to keep milk cool for 8-10 hours unopened. Only open the bag when ready to use the milk. To further extend cooling time, place the thermal bag inside an insulated cooler with ice packs.
Battery Powered Portable Milk Cooler
Small battery operated coolers allow you to refrigerate milk anywhere without access to power. These coolers run off rechargeable batteries and some plug into your car for charging. They maintain temperatures between 38-42°F. The battery will run approximately 8 hours when fully charged. Portable milk coolers offer reliable cooling for longer workdays. Keep extra ice packs frozen in case you need a temperature boost during the day.
Wet Towel Cooling Method
A simple DIY cooling method involves wrapping milk storage bags or bottles in a wet towel placed in an insulated bag or lunch box. Start with ice cold water and wet thin cotton towels. Wrap the wet towels around the milk and place inside an insulated bag. The evaporation helps pull heat away from the milk to keep it cooler a bit longer. However, this method only adds 1-2 hours of safe time compared to just an insulated bag alone.
Freezer Packs
Reusable plastic freezer packs designed specifically for pumping moms provide convenience and portability. Store them in the freezer until ready to transport milk. Then simply pop the frozen pack into your bag alongside filled milk storage bags or bottles. The frozen packs help regulate the temperature inside your insulated bag or cooler. Swap out for newly frozen packs as needed throughout the day. Look for BPA-free freezer packs made with non-toxic gel. Flat slim designs take up minimal space.
Transporting Expressed Milk
Getting milk from your pumping location to the insulated storage bag also requires some planning. Here are some tips for safe transport:
- Pump directly into storage bags or bottles when possible.
- Move milk to the insulated cooler bag right after pumping.
- If carrying bottles, first cap tightly then place upright in a closed container before transporting.
- Keep milk transport bags small with just one or two feedings worth of milk.
- Never add warm milk to already cool milk as it can lead to spoilage.
Thawing and Warming Milk Safely
When ready to use the breast milk, you need to properly thaw and warm it. Here are some guidelines:
- Thaw frozen milk overnight in the refrigerator or by running cool water over the bottle or bag.
- Never microwave bags or bottles to thaw or warm milk. Microwaving can create hot spots that damage nutrient quality.
- Once thawed, use within 24 hours.
- To warm milk, place the container in warm water. Do not overheat.
- A bottle warmer or warmer pack designed for breast milk are convenient options.
- Always test temperature before serving to baby.
Choosing the Best Storage Containers
Proper milk storage containers help preserve nutrients and prevent leaking or spilling. Look for the following features when shopping for supplies:
- BPA-free – Bottles and bags should be made of BPA-free food grade plastic. exposure to BPA can interfere with hormones and brain development.
- Airtight seal – Lids and seals should close tightly to prevent leaking and limit air exposure.
- Protect from light – Opaque plastic or insulated bags prevent light exposure which can break down nutrients.
- Multiple sizes – Have a variety of smaller bags or bottles for portioning milk for each feeding.
- Durable – Withstand drops without leaking and hold up to freezing and thawing.
With the right supplies and some prep, you can pump and store your breast milk safely while at the office or anywhere refrigerator access is limited. Following careful transport, storage, thawing and warming guidelines ensures your breast milk retains its nutritional quality and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can breast milk sit out at room temperature?
Breast milk can safely sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours if the room is less than 77°F. If the room is warmer than 77°F, aim for no more than 1-2 hours before refrigerating.
Does breast milk need to be refrigerated at night?
It is generally safe to keep breast milk at room temperature overnight unless your home is excessively warm. For optimal quality, store milk in the refrigerator at night and minimize leaving expressed milk out for more than 4 hours.
Can you freeze breast milk without a freezer bag?
It is best to store breast milk in BPA-free plastic freezer bags designed for breast milk storage. However, you can freeze milk in a regular plastic storage bag or even a glass container if needed in a pinch. The milk may absorb some freezer taste depending on the container material.
How long does thawed breast milk last in the fridge?
Thawed breast milk that has been in the refrigerator for 24 hours should either be used immediately or discarded. Do not return thawed milk to the freezer. The milk loses some nutritional quality and safety decreases after thawing.
Can you combine breast milk from different days in one bottle?
It is best not to mix breast milk from different pumping days. Milk composition changes as your baby ages. Combining older milk with fresher milk can impact the nutritional quality. Only combine milk pumped during the same day.
Is it safe to freeze breast milk more than once?
Avoid refreezing breast milk after it has been thawed. Refreezing and rethawing milk repeatedly can break down nutrients, vitamins, fats, and antibodies. Refreezing puts baby at greater risk of consuming contaminated milk.
How do you keep breast milk bags from leaking?
Using high quality breast milk bags with a double zipper seal and sturdy sidewalls prevents leaks. Also be sure not to overfill storage bags which can cause them to burst. Lay bags flat rather than stacking to prevent puncturing.
Can you reuse breast milk storage bags?
Breast milk storage bags are designed for one time use. It is unsafe to reuse bags due to potential bacteria growth even with washing. Used storage bags could also leak and contaminate fresh milk.
Table Comparing Breast Milk Storage Options
| Storage Method | Temperature | Duration | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop | Up to 77°F | Up to 4 hours | Use clean, capped bottles or bags |
| Insulated cooler bag | With frozen ice packs | Up to 24 hours | Keep bag tightly closed |
| Refrigerator | 39°F or below | Up to 4 days | Store in back, away from door |
| Freezer inside refrigerator | 0-5°F | Up to 2 weeks | Freeze in small batches |
| Deep freezer | 0°F or below | Up to 6 months | Use milk oldest first |
Conclusion
Storing pumped breast milk while at work without a refrigerator presents challenges but is manageable with some preparation and the right equipment. Insulated coolers, milk cooler packs, thermal bags, battery powered coolers, and freezer packs all help extend the safe storage time. Following general guidelines for temperature control, limiting duration, and proper transport, thawing and warming allows you to provide your baby with the benefits of breast milk even while you’re apart.
