The Journal of Pediatrics January 2010 issue reported that a small study found that refrigerated breast milk can be refrigerated for up to four days without losing its nutritional value or allowing bacteria to build up.

Researchers at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, stored breast milk samples from 36 mothers in the refrigerators of the NICU. The milk was all collected with a breast pump about one month after giving birth and stored at 39 degrees F.  It was tested after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. They found that over time, “either no or minimal changes to the breast milk’s composition — including bacterial levels, acidity, immune-system proteins from the mother, beneficial fatty acids and protein.”

“The findings suggest that fresh breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 96 hours without compromising its integrity,” said lead researcher Dr. Richard J. Schanler.

But remember when you are storing milk at home, experts recommend using clean, dry glass containers or plastic ones that are free of the chemical bisphenol A.  Containers should be labeled with the date and placed at the back of a refrigerator set at 39 degrees or cooler.

This is good info and news for pumping moms! That pumped breast milk is oh-so-precious and we never want it to go to waste in the fridge!