How do you freeze freshly pumped breast milk?

How to Freeze Freshly Pumped Breast Milk
Freezing freshly pumped breast milk is a practical and essential skill for breastfeeding mothers who want to ensure their baby has access to nutritious milk even when they are not available to nurse. Proper storage not only preserves the milk’s quality but also safeguards the health of your baby. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively freeze breast milk.
Understanding Storage Guidelines
Before diving into the freezing process, it’s crucial to understand the general storage guidelines for breast milk. Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to four hours. If you plan to use it within four days, refrigeration is a suitable option, with the fridge temperature set at 40°F or below. However, if you anticipate not using the milk within this timeframe, freezing is the best choice.
Choosing the Right Containers
When it comes to freezing breast milk, the choice of container is vital. Use breast milk storage bags or hard plastic containers that are specifically designed for freezing. These containers should be BPA-free to ensure safety. Avoid using regular plastic bags or containers that are not designed for freezing, as they may not withstand the low temperatures and could leach harmful chemicals into the milk.
Freezing Process
1. Cool the Milk: If you have just pumped the milk, allow it to cool to room temperature before freezing. This helps maintain the quality of the milk and prevents the freezer temperature from rising.
2. Label and Date: Before placing the milk in the freezer, label each container with the date and time of pumping. This practice helps you keep track of how long the milk has been stored, ensuring you use the oldest milk first.
3. Fill Containers Appropriately: When filling your storage bags or containers, leave some space at the top. Breast milk expands when frozen, and this extra space prevents the containers from bursting.
4. Avoid the Freezer Door: Place the containers in the back of the freezer rather than in the door. The temperature in the door can fluctuate more due to frequent opening and closing, which can compromise the milk’s quality.
5. Freezing Temperature: Ensure your freezer is set to 0°F or below. If your freezer does not have a built-in thermometer, consider using a freestanding appliance thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Thawing Frozen Breast Milk
When it comes time to use the frozen breast milk, proper thawing is essential. The best method is to transfer the milk from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. If you need it more quickly, you can place the sealed container under warm running water or use a bowl of warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may scald your baby.
Final Tips
– Use Within a Reasonable Timeframe: Frozen breast milk is best used within 6 months for optimal quality, although it can be stored for up to 12 months in the freezer.
– Do Not Refreeze: Once thawed, breast milk should not be refrozen. Use it within 24 hours after thawing to ensure safety.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently freeze freshly pumped breast milk, ensuring that your baby receives the best nutrition even when you are not around.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

Can I combine milk from different pump sessions to freeze?

According to Verywell Family, it is safe to combine breast milk from different pumping sessions if the milk is collected and stored under clean conditions and the baby is full-term and healthy. However, it is not recommended to combine milk that has been stored for more than 24 hours.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold. Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water. Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk.

Do you need to chill breast milk before freezing?

If you follow the timeframes in the breast milk storage guidelines, you can keep your milk at room temperature, then refrigerate it, and then freeze it.

How to build a freezer stash while exclusively pumping?

Pump in the morning after your baby’s first feed.
The best time to pump to build your supply is first thing in the morning when your milk supply is the highest. After your baby nurses, this is the time to pump off any remaining milk to store in the freezer. I found 10-15 minutes pumping was sufficient.

Is it better to freeze breast milk in bottles or bags?

A safe start would be freezing it in breast milk storage bags in 2 oz portions. The smaller portions make it easier to thaw exactly what baby needs and reduces wasted milk. This approach does mean you use a lot more storage bags so if that’s a greater concern for you re cost, plastic trash generated, etc.

Can you add fresh pumped milk to frozen?

You can add fresh milk to a container of frozen milk as long as there is less fresh milk than frozen. For example, you can add 2 ounces of fresh milk to 4 ounces of frozen, but not4 ounces of fresh milk to 2 ounces of frozen. You don’t want it to thaw and then refreeze . Cool the milk for 30 minutes before you add it.

Can I freeze breast milk right after pumping?

Storing breast milk after expressing
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.

Can I mix left and right breast milk?

Combining breast milk from different expressions can be convenient, especially if you’re only getting a small amount at each session. Just make sure you’re not adding too much to your storage containers.

Does pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.