Hello! I'm a lactation consultant and I'm happy to help you with this important question.

How long can you leave breastmilk out?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including:

* The temperature of the room: The warmer the room, the faster breast milk will spoil.
* **Whether the milk has been expressed or pumped:** Freshly expressed breast milk is more susceptible to bacterial growth than frozen milk.
* How the milk is stored: Storing breast milk in a clean container will help to prevent contamination.

Here are some general guidelines for how long you can leave breast milk out at different temperatures:

* Room temperature (77°F or 25°C): Up to 4 hours.
* Refrigerator (39°F or 4°C): Up to 4 days.
* Freezer (0°F or -18°C): Up to 6 months.

Important Considerations:

* **Never leave breast milk out at room temperature for more than 4 hours.** After that, it's best to discard it, as it may start to develop harmful bacteria.
* **Refrigerate breast milk immediately after expressing or pumping.** This will help to slow down the growth of bacteria.
* **If you are not going to use the breast milk within 4 hours, freeze it.** This is the best way to preserve the nutrients and quality of breast milk.
* **Always check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer.** They should be set at the recommended temperatures to ensure the safe storage of breast milk.
* **Use a clean container to store breast milk.** This will help to prevent contamination.
* **Do not thaw frozen breast milk at room temperature.** This can allow bacteria to grow. Instead, thaw breast milk in the refrigerator or by running it under cold water.

Signs of Spoiled Breast Milk:

* A sour or rancid smell: This is a sign that the breast milk has gone bad.
* A change in color: Breast milk should be a clear, white, or yellowish color. If it is cloudy, green, or pink, it may be spoiled.
* Separation: Breast milk may separate into layers, but it should be easily mixed back together. If the separation is significant or the layers do not mix back together, the milk may be spoiled.

**It's important to remember that these are just general guidelines.** The best way to ensure the safety of your breast milk is to always err on the side of caution and discard any milk that has been out of the refrigerator for more than 4 hours, or that shows signs of spoilage.

**If you have any concerns about the safety of your breast milk, please consult with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.** They can provide you with personalized advice based on your specific needs and circumstances.

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Fresh milk. Freshly expressed milk can be stored at room temperature for 6-C8 hours. If the room is particularly warm, it's more like 4 hours.read more >>