How long can breast milk stay in the deep freezer?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage in Deep Freezers
When it comes to storing breast milk, many parents are keen to understand the best practices to ensure their baby’s nutrition remains safe and effective. One common question is: How long can breast milk stay in a deep freezer?
Optimal Storage Duration
Breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer, which typically maintains a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or colder, for up to 12 months. However, for optimal quality and nutritional value, it is recommended to use the milk within 6 months of freezing. This timeframe helps preserve the milk’s taste and nutritional properties, ensuring that your baby receives the best possible nourishment.
Key Considerations for Freezing
It’s important to note that the counting of storage time begins from the first freezing of the milk. This means that if you freeze milk that has already been thawed, you should not refreeze it, as this can compromise its quality and safety.
Additionally, once breast milk is thawed, it must be used within a specific timeframe: if thawed in the refrigerator, it should be consumed within 24 hours, and if warmed, it should be used within 2 hours. This careful management of thawed milk is crucial to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk can safely remain in a deep freezer for up to 12 months, using it within 6 months is ideal for maintaining its quality. Parents should also be mindful of the guidelines surrounding thawing and usage to ensure their baby’s health and safety. By following these recommendations, caregivers can confidently store and use breast milk, providing essential nutrition for their little ones.

What is the 4 4 4 rule for breast milk?

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 last in a 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.

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

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 freeze breast milk after 4 days in the fridge?

If you plan to use it within 4 days, store it in the refrigerator. If you are unsure or know that you will use it after 4 days, store it in the freezer. Milk is good for 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.

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 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]).

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.

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 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.

Will spoiled breast milk harm a baby?

Can babies get sick from old 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.