What is a common misconception about breast milk storage?

The belief that breast milk can be refrigerated for up to a month is a common misconception. In reality, while breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator, the recommended storage time is typically up to 4 days, not a whole month. Longer storage that is often considered appropriate is for frozen breast milk, where it can be kept for about 6 months in a standard freezer and possibly longer in a deep freezer.

Other statements regarding breast milk storage provide accurate guidance based on best practices. For example, breast milk can indeed be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours, and it's advised not to thaw breast milk in the microwave, as it can create hot spots and damage some of the beneficial properties of the milk. However, the notion that breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for an entire month is misleading, illustrating the importance of understanding proper storage guidelines to ensure the milk remains safe and nutritious for infants.