Can I use 2 year old frozen breastmilk?

Can I Use 2-Year-Old Frozen Breast Milk?
When it comes to the safety and viability of using frozen breast milk, particularly after an extended period, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. The general consensus among health professionals is that while breast milk can be frozen for later use, there are specific guidelines regarding how long it remains safe and nutritious.
Storage Guidelines for Frozen Breast Milk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 6 months for optimal quality. It can remain safe for consumption for up to 12 months, but the quality may diminish over time. After this period, while the milk may still be safe to consume, its nutritional value and taste could be significantly affected.
What Happens to Breast Milk Over Time?
Breast milk that has been frozen for an extended period, such as two years, may undergo changes that could impact its safety and palatability. For instance, the fats in the milk can break down, leading to a soapy smell or taste, which is not harmful but may be unappealing to your baby. Additionally, while there is limited research on the safety of breast milk frozen for longer than a year, anecdotal evidence suggests that many parents have used older frozen milk without adverse effects, although this is not universally recommended.
Considerations Before Use
If you are considering using breast milk that has been frozen for two years, it is crucial to assess a few factors:
1. Storage Conditions: Ensure that the milk has been stored properly in a deep freezer, which maintains a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Fluctuations in temperature can compromise the milk’s safety.
2. Thawing Process: When thawing frozen breast milk, it is best to do so in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may scald your baby.
3. Taste and Smell: Before feeding the milk to your baby, check for any unusual smells or changes in texture. If the milk smells off or has an unusual appearance, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
4. Consulting a Pediatrician: If you have any doubts or concerns about using older frozen breast milk, it is always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby’s health and dietary needs.
In summary, while it is technically possible to use frozen breast milk that is two years old, it is not recommended due to potential quality degradation. For the best nutritional benefits and safety, it is advisable to use breast milk within the recommended storage time frames.

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.

How long is breastmilk good in the freezer?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

How long does breast milk get spoiled in the breast?

No, breast milk doesn’t spoil inside the breast. It’s produced on demand and maintains its freshness.

Is breast milk still good after 2 years?

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.

Is 2 year old frozen breast milk still good?

As long as the temperature of the freezer is 0°F or below, the type of freezer does not matter. The temperature of kitchen freezers is typically 0° F. Deep freezers and chest freezers may be colder than 0°F. Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best.

What is the lifespan of defrosted breastmilk?

Use milk within 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator (from the time it is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer). Use thawed milk within 2 hours of bringing to room temperature or warming. Never refreeze thawed milk.

Can I use old frozen breastmilk?

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

What if baby drinks bad breast milk?

If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.

What happens if my baby drinks old breast milk?

Based on research published on the Unair website, breast milk that is stored for a long time can be contaminated by various bacteria. One of them is E. coli. This bacteria can cause digestive tract infections such as diarrhea.

What happens to breastmilk after a year in the freezer?

As long as it has been safely stored breastmilk can really be frozen indefinitely it’s just that it starts to lose nutrients after a year.