* Storage times may vary for premature or sick babies. Sources: Jones, F. and M.R.. Tully, Best Practice for Expressing, Storing and Handling Human Milk in Hospitals, Homes and Child Care Settings. Raleigh, NC: Human Milk Banking Association of North America, 2006; Mohrbacher, N. and J. Stock, The Breastfeeding Answer Book. Schaumburg, IL: La Leche League International, 2003.

Milk should not spoil before the times listed above, but the longer milk is stored, the more nutritional value is lost.
The living parts of a mother's milk kill bacteria, making it much hardier and longer-lasting.

This is general information and does not replace the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. If you have a problem you cannot solve quickly, seek help right away.
Every baby is different, and your baby may not be average.
If in doubt, contact your physician or other healthcare provider.