03/26/2026
Expressed breastmilk provides optimal bioactive components, including enzymes, immunoglobulins, and living cells, which are most intact when fed immediately after expression. While some degradation of these components occurs with pumping, storage, and reheating, expressed breastmilk remains a highly beneficial and recommended source of infant nutrition. For many families—especially those with returning-to-work parents—pumping and storage are essential to meeting feeding goals and should be fully supported. To preserve milk quality, promptly cool milk after expression, store in appropriately sized portions, minimize repeated warming cycles, and use gentle warming methods rather than high heat. Even with appropriate storage, expressed breastmilk continues to provide significant immunologic and nutritional benefits to the infant.
