For how many hours can breast milk be stored in the refrigerator?

Breast milk stored in the refrigerator should be used within 24 hours. Refrigerated or frozen milk should be thawed rapidly by holding under running tepid water and used completely within 24 hours after thawing. Milk should be microwaved. Expressed breast milk Stored for Room Temperature 6 hours In refrigerator 24 hours Frozen milk 3 months A difference of opinion among authors is noted regarding the refrigeration of expressed breast milk. Nelson&;s (21st edition, pgno: 324) mentions that breast milk can be refrigerated and used within 48 hours and frozen for around 6 months . However AIIMS in colloboration with WHO recommends that breast milk can be refrigerated upto 24 hours and frozen at -20oC for about 3 months . Ref: Nelson Textbook of pediatrics 20th edition Pgno: 288 Aiims Protocols in Neonatology