The temperature of breast milk varies depending on whether it's being expressed, stored, or consumed, but freshly expressed breast milk is generally around body temperature, approximately 98.6°F (37°C).
Here's a breakdown of temperatures relevant to breast milk:
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Freshly Expressed Breast Milk: As mentioned, it's around body temperature, 98.6°F (37°C). It can safely remain at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours. If expressed very cleanly, it may last up to 6-8 hours.
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Refrigerated Breast Milk: Breast milk should ideally be stored in the back of the refrigerator to minimize temperature fluctuations. The ideal refrigerator temperature is around 39°F (4°C). Refrigerated breast milk can be safely stored for about 4 days.
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Frozen Breast Milk: Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for extended periods. The ideal freezer temperature is 0°F (-18°C). Frozen breast milk is best used within 6 months, although it can be stored for up to 12 months.
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Warmed Breast Milk: When warming breast milk, avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots. Instead, warm the milk by placing the bottle in a container of warm water or using a bottle warmer. The goal is to gently warm the milk to body temperature or slightly below, but it doesn't need to be body temperature.
| State | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Freshly Expressed | ~98.6°F (37°C) |
| Room Temperature (Storage) | Up to 77°F (25°C) |
| Refrigerated | 39°F (4°C) |
| Frozen | 0°F (-18°C) |
| Warmed | Body temperature or slightly below (Optional) |
Therefore, while the temperature of freshly expressed breast milk is around 98.6°F (37°C), how it's handled and stored significantly impacts the relevant temperature considerations.
