You can add cooled milk to a container you're collecting and holding in the refrigerator during the day. Do not add warm milk directly to the chilled milk.
If preparing to freeze your milk, transfer it into 2 or 5 oz. glass or plastic containers or plastic sleeves specifically designed for storing breastmilk. Write the date on the container and remember to use the oldest milk first. Medela makes special Collection-Storage-Freezer plastic bags that fit most Medela breast pumps, enabling you to quickly and easily collect and store your breastmilk.
You can safely store fresh breast milk for up to:
Six hours at room temperature
Eight days in the refrigerator
Two weeks in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator
Six months in a refrigerator freezer
One year in a deep freezer
To thaw breastmilk, leave it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also quickly defrost plastic bags by holding them under warm running water or by placing it in
a bowl filled with warm water for about 20 minutes. Never microwave breastmilk to warm or defrost it.
Once breast milk has been frozen and thawed, you must use it within 24 hours. Do not refreeze thawed breast milk - it will not be safe to use.
