Hi Moms,
I have a question about breastmilk storage. I had two four ounces bottles that were pumped today and had been refrigerated at work. When I brought them home, I accidently left them out for about three hours. Our house is 74 degrees so it is not extremely warm. Are they still good?
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the great feedback. I actually called the lactation consultant at our Pedi's office and she said that since the estimates are usually pretty conservative on storage times, it should be good. However, she said to smell it and if it is spoiled, it will smell spoiled. So that is what I will be doing after work!
I've done that before and just popped them back in the fridge and they were fine. According to Baby 411, freshed pumped milk will last four hours at room temp, 24 hours in a cooler with solid ice. Expressed milk can be refrigerated and used within five days. Expressed milk can be frozen for up to six month in the back of a standard freezer (with a separate door from the fridge).
It might be okay, but when in doubt, through it out. Bacteria thrives in warm environments, and 74 is still warm. I know that pumped milk is like gold and you'd hate to see it thrown away, but do you really want to risk your infant getting sick or feeling miserable when you are obviously second guessing yourself? Trust your instincts!
Well I would not use it. If you had pumped it and left it out in room temp for 3 hours that's one thing but you had it refrigerated at work then took it out and left it out for 3 hours. I wouldn't take a chance with your little one. I know it's hard to throw out a liquid gold but it's better than risking your little one's health.
Just my opinion... :)
I think it's probably fine as long as the milk was refrigerated as soon as you discovered it and used promptly (ie: w/in about 24 - 36 hours).
