Safe handling of human milk

Freshly expressed or pumped milk

Room temperature (77° or colder):

Up to 4 hours

Refrigerator (40° or colder):

Up to 4 days

Freezer with separate door (0° or colder):

Within 6 months is best, up to 12 months is acceptable

Thawed human milk (previously frozen)

Room temperature (77° or colder):

1-2 hours

Refrigerator (40° or colder):

Up to 1 day

Freezer with separate door (0° or colder):

Never refreeze human milk after it has been thawed