Refrigerator storage of expressed human milk in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective: To provide recommendations for refrigerator storage of human milk, the overall integrity (bacterial growth, cell counts, and component concentrations) of milk was examined during 96 hours of storage at 4 degrees C.

Study Design: Fresh milk samples (n = 36) were divided and stored at 4 degrees C for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. At each time, pH, white cell count, and osmolality were measured and additional samples were stored at -80 degrees C until analyzed for bacteria and concentrations of lactoferrin, secretory (s)IgA, fat, fatty acids, and protein.