Can I use 2 year old frozen breast milk?

Can I Use 2-Year-Old Frozen Breast Milk?
The question of whether you can use frozen breast milk that has been stored for two years is a nuanced one, steeped in guidelines and safety considerations. While breast milk is a precious resource for feeding infants, its storage duration is critical to ensure both safety and nutritional quality.
Storage Guidelines and Recommendations
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk can be safely stored in a deep freezer (at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit) for three to six months for optimal quality. Some sources suggest that it can be kept for up to nine months without significant loss of nutrients. The Human Milk Banking Association of North America even states that breast milk can be stored for up to a year in ideal conditions. However, the consensus is that after six months, the quality may begin to decline, and after one year, while it may still be safe to consume, the nutritional value and taste could be compromised.
Safety Considerations
When considering the use of breast milk that has been frozen for two years, it is essential to evaluate the storage conditions. If the milk has been consistently stored at the appropriate temperature, it may still be safe from a microbiological standpoint. However, the nutritional quality is likely to have diminished significantly. The CDC emphasizes that while frozen breast milk can technically be stored indefinitely, the recommendation is to use it within the established time frames to ensure the best quality for your baby.
Practical Advice for Parents
For parents contemplating the use of two-year-old frozen breast milk, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. If the milk has been stored properly and shows no signs of freezer burn or off-smells upon thawing, it may be safe to use, but the nutritional benefits will not be optimal. Many parents choose to use older frozen breast milk for non-consumable purposes, such as making milk baths or for sentimental keepsakes, rather than feeding it to their infants.
In conclusion, while it is technically possible to use two-year-old frozen breast milk if it has been stored correctly, the best practice is to adhere to the recommended storage durations to ensure both safety and nutritional integrity. If in doubt, consulting with a pediatrician or a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance tailored to your situation.

Can you use 2 year old frozen breast milk for a bath?

Feel free to pump extra milk and freeze it in advance of these baths. Defrost it before you add it to the bath so that you can better control the water temperature. And don’t be nervous about using expired milk. As long as it still smells good, it’s fine to use for bathing.

How can you tell if frozen breast milk has gone bad?

Digestive enzymes and other components of breastmilk remain active even when milk is expressed or pumped. Expressed human milk may undergo odor changes when stored. Parents sometimes describe expressed or defrosted milk as smelling odd – metallic, soapy, or even rancid.

Can I use old frozen breast milk?

Milk past 12 months in deep freeze is SAFE to use but may experience some degradation of the fats and nutritional qualities.

Why can’t you use frozen breast milk after 12 months?

The Mayo Clinic also explained that the longer you store breast milk in the fridge or freezer, the more it loses its content of vitamin C and the breast milk you store when your baby is younger may not meet the needs they have when they are older.

Is 2 year old breast milk still good?

Research has found that breast milk retains its nutritional quality for the entire duration of breastfeeding. Plus, its composition may change based on the needs of your growing child. For example, one study found that the nutritional content of breast milk mostly stays the same during the second year of life.

At what age is breast milk no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

Can you freeze milk for 2 years?

Freeze up to 3 months from the date of purchase. Some sources suggest using frozen milk within one month for the best quality. Thaw milk in the refrigerator for at least three days and shake well before using.

Can I still have breast milk after 2 years?

If mom wants to continue breastfeeding or pumping up to two years, she can maintain her milk supply – in most cases – by how often she breastfeeds or pumps. Breastfeeding an older child isn’t the same as breastfeeding a newborn.

How long is thawed breast milk good for?

Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

Is breast milk still good after 2 years in freezer?

Breastmilk is good for up to 12 months in the freezer. The CDC used to specify different lengths of time for different types of freezers. They changed their recommendations to “best by 6 months, good up to 12 months” regardless of freezer style.