Question
Can breast milk that has not been expressed in 12 hours still be consumed?
Answer
Freshly stored milk is safe to eat. Colostrum (milk produced within the first 6 days postpartum) can be stored at 27°C to 32°C (room temperature) for up to 12 hours. Mature breast milk (produced after the first 6 days postpartum) can be stored at 15°C (room temperature) for 24 hours, at 19°C to 22°C for 10 hours, and at 25°C for 6 hours. In the refrigerator’s cold storage, milk can be kept for up to 8 days. In the freezer, however, if the door is frequently opened and closed to retrieve items, the storage period is about 3 to 4 months.