How Long Can Breast Milk Sit Out?

Human breast milk refers to the milk produced by the mammary glands located in the breasts of females. For newborn babies, intake of breast milk is of prime significance. It provides nutrition in proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and fats.  Are you a working woman too?

Do you often feel like struggling to feed your newborn with your very own milk as you have to work throughout the day? Then it would be best if you opted to store your breast milk. All kinds of milk, coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, may go bad. The same goes for your breast milk. Let’s proceed with us to get rid of any query you’ve been holding for a long regarding it.

How Long Can Breast Milk Sit Out?

The sit-out duration of breast milk varies based upon the condition it has been allowed to be kept at. However, there is one basic thing about storing breast milk. Now, what is that? The longer you store breast milk, the greater is the loss of Vitamin C in it. Fresh breast milk sits out for up to six hours at room temperature.

However, it is encouraged to use it within four hours, particularly when the room temperature is warm. It sits out well up to one day in an insulated cooler and four days under refrigerated conditions. Wish to let it sit out for even longer? Consider defrosting it. Defrosting allows to rest it for 12 months. However, the optimal condition says it does well up to 6 months.

What Happens if Breast Milk Sits Out Too Long?

So now you’ve left out breast milk to sit out for longer and wondering about the undesirable reaction that may happen inside, compromising its quality. It happens that sometimes after feeding, breast milk is left out, and you wonder whether you may use it for a subsequent feeding or not.

If breast milk sits out for too long, it doesn’t remain safe to feed your child with. According to milk storage guidelines, you should throw away leftover breast milk after two hours due to the possibility of bacterial contamination from your child’s mouth.

What Should You Do If Breast Milk Is Left Out Too Long?

Following health and hygiene protocols are very important since you’re dealing with your child’s health. You care for your child, which is why you have been managing all to store your breast milk. That we know very well, so we are also mentioning what to do if breast milk has been left out for too long. If that is the case, it is better to discard your breast milk right away.

How Long Can Breast Milk Be In The Car For?

Breastfeeding and storing at home is already tricky enough, but they become even more complex when you intend to store it for a road trip. There are times when you may wish to store your breast milk in your car.

According to Mama Natural, breast milk can easily sit out at room temperature for up to six hours without refrigerating or freezing. Therefore, do not put it on ice if you intend to feed your child for the duration mentioned above. 

Does Breast Milk Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?

To store and preserve your breast milk for longer, consider refrigerating or defrosting it. If breast milk is allowed to sit out at normal conditions for four to six hours, it may not go well. Therefore, preserve it in lower temperatures to help it attain a maximum shelf life.

Does Breast Milk Go Bad If You Lose Power?

You stored your breast milk as was needed. However, you encounter a power outage and are now worried about what to do? Do not bother!

Your breast milk will stay safe depending upon the duration of the power outage. Breast milk will remain safe to feed your child within the refrigerator if you do not open the doors unnecessarily. However, breast milk will stay safe for about 48 hours if left unopened in the freezers.

What Temperature Is Safe For Breast Milk?

The temperature has a lot to do with the sit-out duration of your breast milk. At normal conditions, the temperature at which it remains fresh and safe for four hours is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for even longer preservation, the refrigerator conditions should be such that the temperature remains below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sources:

• mayoclinic
• cdc
• breastfeeding
• healthline
• romper