I've always gone by the 6 rule. 6 hrs at room temp. 6 days in back of fridge. 6 months in freezer. NHS states 6hrs at room temp in UK https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-of-services/maternity-services/breastfeeding/storing-breastmilk/#:~:text=Breast%20milk%20can%20be%20left,for%20up%20to%206%20months.
I think it comes down to what you’re comfortable with too. Like ultimately, I have no judgement for what others choose to do, but I know where I stand, and that’s fine with me
@Sie the guidelines have changed again too. You can mix different temps now. I never ask a doctor for lactation advice though. They aren’t trained professionals in lactation. Personally 666 was my rule
@Sara ask a lactation consultant for better understanding then. That seems odd
@Monét I was actually told the exact opposite in my prenatal class.
@Sara bacteria does not grow quickly in breastmilk. That’s why it’s able to be left out longer than formula ever can. And doesn’t spoil under these conditions. The general rule is 4 hours out, 4 days in fridge. This changes according to the individual though
Do you have a meat thermometer? Take it's temp. And it's supposed to be okay if it's out for 4 hours, but I don't know about refrigerated and then out for 4 hours, I think if you pump it it's okay for 4 hours.
Yeah I dunno I wouldn’t trust it at that point. It’s been out for longer than is technically food safe, and bacteria grows real quick on breast milk unfortunately.
Smell it. Generally okay to offer after sitting out for 4 hours, but bacteria does start to grow after that. If it smells okay, it probably is
Breast milk is only supposed to be left out for 4 hours. Smell and see if it’s okay