According to lactation consultant Amanda DeWeese, MPH, CPH, IBCLC, the CDC recently updated their recommendation for breast milk storage, and the “Rule of 5’s” no longer applies. Instead, they advise parents to follow a “4-4-6 rule,”where fresh milk can stay at room temperature (77 degrees F or below) for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for four days, or in a freezer for up to six months.  Carefully following timing rules helps prevent the opportunity for bacteria to multiply, and to be extra safe, make sure not to refreeze breast milk and to limit its exposure to heat and direct sunlight.