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

Understanding the Shelf Life of Frozen Breast Milk
When it comes to storing breast milk, many parents wonder about the optimal duration for which it can be safely frozen. The guidelines for freezing breast milk are quite clear and can help ensure that your baby receives the best nutrition possible.
Duration of Storage
Breast milk can be stored in a standard kitchen freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or colder for up to 12 months. However, for the best quality and nutritional value, it is recommended to use the milk within 6 months of freezing. This timeframe is crucial because while breast milk remains safe to consume for a longer period, its quality may diminish over time.
Freezing Conditions Matter
The type of freezer used can also impact how long breast milk remains viable. Kitchen freezers, which typically maintain a temperature of 0°F, are suitable for this purpose. In contrast, deep freezers or chest freezers, which can operate at lower temperatures, may extend the shelf life even further.
Thawing and Usage Guidelines
Once frozen, thawed breast milk must be handled with care. If thawed in the refrigerator, it should be used within 24 hours. If the milk has been warmed, it should be consumed within two hours to ensure safety. It’s important to note that the countdown for these timeframes begins only after the milk is completely thawed, not from the moment it is removed from the freezer.
Quality Considerations
While the safety of frozen breast milk is well-established, some mothers report changes in taste or smell after freezing, which can be attributed to the breakdown of certain bioactive components over time. This is a natural occurrence and does not necessarily indicate that the milk is unsafe to use.
In summary, while frozen breast milk can be stored for up to a year, using it within six months is ideal for maintaining its quality. Proper thawing and usage practices are essential to ensure that your baby receives the best possible nutrition from stored breast milk.

What is the lifespan of thawed breast milk?

If you thaw breast milk in the refrigerator, use it within 24 hours. Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours.

How long is thawed breast milk good for CDC?

within 24 hours
Inform families if any of the unused milk being sent home was thawed that day in the ECE setting so they know to keep it cold and use it within 24 hours. Never refreeze thawed milk. Store frozen milk in the freezer until needed. Return unused frozen milk to families within 6 months from the date it was expressed.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘-F5oZ6niEpmLnesPuLziqAU__41′,’

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.

How long is frozen breast milk good for 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.

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.

How do you know if frozen breast milk is still good?

Do a lipase test on your stored breastmilk! The sooner you do this the better! Thaw a frozen bag of breastmilk to see if it has a soapy or metallic smell/taste. Try feeding it to your baby and see if they drink it.

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 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.

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 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.