How long can breast milk last in a deep freezer?

How Long Can Breast Milk Last in a Deep Freezer?
Breast milk is a precious resource for nursing mothers, and understanding how to store it properly is crucial for ensuring its safety and nutritional quality. When it comes to freezing breast milk, the type of freezer plays a significant role in determining how long the milk can be stored.
Storage Duration in a Deep Freezer
According to health guidelines, breast milk can be safely stored in a deep freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below for up to 12 months. This duration applies regardless of whether the freezer is a chest freezer or a standalone unit, as long as the temperature remains consistently at or below the recommended level.
In contrast, breast milk stored in a refrigerator freezer (the kind typically found in kitchen units) has a shorter shelf life, generally lasting about 6 months. This distinction is important for mothers who may be using different types of freezers for storage.
Best Practices for Freezing Breast Milk
To maximize the quality and safety of frozen breast milk, mothers should follow several best practices. First, it is advisable to use clean, BPA-free containers specifically designed for breast milk storage. These containers help prevent contamination and preserve the milk’s nutrients.
Additionally, it is essential to label each container with the date of expression to keep track of how long the milk has been stored. When thawing frozen breast milk, it is recommended to do so in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water, rather than using a microwave, which can create hot spots and degrade the milk’s quality.
Conclusion
In summary, for mothers looking to store breast milk for extended periods, a deep freezer is an excellent option, allowing for up to 12 months of safe storage. By adhering to proper storage guidelines, mothers can ensure that their expressed milk remains safe and nutritious for their little ones, providing peace of mind during those busy early months of parenting.

Does freezing breastmilk degrade it?

Frozen Breast Milk Retains Most of Its Nutrients
It does lose a small amount of those qualities but can still provide a baby with the nutrition it needs. The key is to freeze and thaw breast milk in ways that preserve its nutritional value.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

How long is breast milk good for a chart?

Breast Milk Temperature and Duration

Location	Temperature	Duration
Countertop, table	Room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C)	4 hours
Insulated cooler bag	5-39°F or -15-4°C	24 hours
Refrigerator	40°F or 4°C	4 days

How to know if breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

How long will my freezer stash of breastmilk last?

Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best. Count the age of the milk from the first time it was frozen, regardless of when it was moved. Moving frozen breast milk between freezer locations should be done quickly to ensure that the milk stays frozen.

How long can you keep breast milk in the deep freezer?

Deep freezer.
Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of a deep freezer for up to 12 months. However, using the frozen milk within six months is optimal.

Can I use 3 year old frozen breast milk?

You can keep milk frozen for up to 12 months (but using within the first 6 months is optimal, according to Mayo Clinic [1]).

Is breast milk still good after 2 years in the freezer?

The Academy recommends storing breast milk for three to six months if frozen in a deep freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or below. The Human Milk Banking Association of North America says milk can be stored under such conditions for up to a year, although less than three months is preferred.

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.

How do you know if breast milk is bad in the freezer?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.