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How long can breast milk stay good frozen?

Understanding the Longevity of Frozen Breast Milk
Breast milk is a precious resource for nursing mothers, and understanding how to store it properly is crucial for maintaining its nutritional quality. When it comes to freezing breast milk, the guidelines are clear and emphasize both safety and optimal usage.
Storage Duration in Freezers
Breast milk can be safely stored in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder for up to 12 months. However, for the best quality and nutrient retention, it is recommended to use the milk within 6 months of freezing. This timeframe ensures that the milk retains its vital nutrients and is safe for consumption.
It’s important to note that the age of the milk is counted from the first time it was frozen, regardless of how many times it has been thawed and refrozen. This means that once breast milk is frozen, its storage clock starts ticking, and careful tracking is essential to ensure it is used within the recommended timeframes.
Nutritional Considerations
While breast milk can technically remain safe for up to a year, studies suggest that after about 9 months, the milk may begin to lose some of its nutritional value. This gradual decline in quality underscores the importance of using frozen milk sooner rather than later, particularly if the goal is to provide the best possible nutrition for the infant.
Thawing and Usage Guidelines
When thawing frozen breast milk, it is crucial to do so safely. Thawed milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours but should not be refrozen. Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 1 to 2 hours if left at room temperature. This careful handling helps prevent any potential bacterial growth and ensures that the milk remains safe for the baby.
In summary, while frozen breast milk can last up to a year, using it within six months is ideal for maintaining its nutritional integrity. Proper storage and thawing practices are essential to ensure that this vital resource remains safe and beneficial for infants.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

How long does frozen milk last once defrosted?

within 2 days
When you want to use your frozen milk, simply transfer from the freezer to the fridge and leave to fully thaw overnight. Always use your defrosted milk within 2 days of defrosting. Don’t be tempted to speed up the defrosting process by leaving it at room temperature as this could encourage harmful bacterial to grow.

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.

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 to tell if breast milk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.

Does breast milk go bad in the 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 2 year old frozen breast milk?

Chest or a deep freezer: Breast milk frozen and stored in this type of freezer at −4°F (−20°C) can be kept the longest. You can keep milk frozen for up to 12 months (but using within the first 6 months is optimal, according to Mayo Clinic [1]).

How long is frozen breastmilk good for thawed?

within 24 hours
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.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘wKRoZ4KLAseMseMP3ubuQQ__31′,’

How to know if breastmilk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.

What is the 6 6 6 rule for breast milk?

Rule #2: The Breast Milk Storage Guidelines.
Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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