How long can you safely freeze breast milk?

Understanding Safe Freezing Practices for Breast Milk
When it comes to storing breast milk, safety and quality are paramount for nursing mothers. Freezing breast milk is a common practice that allows parents to ensure their babies receive the nutritional benefits of breast milk even when they are not available to nurse. However, understanding how long breast milk can be safely frozen is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety.
Recommended Freezing Durations
According to guidelines from reputable health organizations, breast milk can be safely frozen for varying lengths of time depending on the type of freezer used. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that breast milk can be stored in a standard freezer (which is typically part of a refrigerator) for three to six months. In contrast, the Human Milk Banking Association of North America extends this recommendation, stating that breast milk can be safely stored for up to nine months in a standard freezer.
For those using a deep freezer, which maintains a more consistent and lower temperature, breast milk can be stored for up to 12 months. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who may want to stockpile milk for future use.
Best Practices for Freezing
To ensure the best quality of frozen breast milk, it is essential to follow certain guidelines. First, breast milk should be frozen as soon as possible after expressing it, especially if it will not be used within four days. When freezing, it is advisable to store the milk in small portions, typically in 2 to 4-ounce containers, to minimize waste and allow for easy thawing.
Additionally, it is important to store breast milk in the back of the freezer rather than in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate more frequently. Maintaining a freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or colder is crucial for safe storage.
Thawing and Using Frozen Breast Milk
Once frozen, breast milk can be thawed safely in the refrigerator, where it should be used within 24 hours. If thawed using warm water, it should be consumed within two hours. Importantly, previously frozen breast milk should never be refrozen after it has been thawed.
Conclusion
In summary, freezing breast milk is a practical solution for nursing mothers, allowing them to provide their babies with the benefits of breast milk even when they are not present. By adhering to recommended storage times—three to six months in a standard freezer and up to 12 months in a deep freezer—mothers can ensure that their milk remains safe and nutritious for their little ones.

How long is my frozen breastmilk good for?

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.

Can I use 2 year old frozen breast milk?

Milk past 12 months in deep freeze is SAFE to use but may experience some degradation of the fats and nutritional qualities.

How do you know if breast milk has gone 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?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.

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 happens to breastmilk after 1 year in the freezer?

There’s nothing to suggest long-term frozen breastmilk will harbor pathogens, but it seems likely that there is some degradation of nutrients. I will say these figures are small — say, 3 to 10%. Put differently: if you feed your baby milk that has been frozen for 6 months, they might need more.

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 babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

What is the longest you can freeze breast milk?

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. Count the age of the milk from the first time it was frozen, regardless of when it was moved.

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.