How long does breast milk last after being frozen?

Understanding the Longevity of Frozen Breast Milk
Breast milk is a precious resource for nursing mothers, and knowing how to store it properly is crucial for maintaining its nutritional quality. When it comes to freezing breast milk, the guidelines are clear and designed to ensure that both the safety and the nutritional value of the milk are preserved.
Storage Duration in Freezers
Breast milk can be stored in a standard kitchen freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 12 months. However, for optimal quality, it is recommended to use the milk within 6 months of freezing. This timeframe helps to ensure that the milk retains its vital nutrients and flavor, which can diminish over time.
For those using deep freezers or chest freezers, which may operate at temperatures lower than 0°F, the milk can still be stored for the same duration, but the colder temperatures can help maintain its quality even longer.
Nutritional Considerations
While breast milk can technically last up to a year in the freezer, experts suggest that after 9 months, the milk may start to lose some of its nutritional benefits. Therefore, while it is not necessary to discard milk after this period, it is advisable to consume it sooner to ensure that your baby receives the maximum nutritional value.
Thawing and Usage
Once frozen breast milk is thawed, it should be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator. If thawed at room temperature, it should be consumed within 1 to 2 hours. This is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the milk remains safe for your baby .
Conclusion
In summary, frozen breast milk can last up to 12 months in a freezer, with a recommendation to use it within 6 to 9 months for the best quality. Proper thawing and usage practices are essential to maintain safety and nutritional integrity. By following these guidelines, nursing mothers can confidently store and use breast milk, ensuring their babies receive the best possible nutrition.

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.

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 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(‘HzVoZ6qjKN22wPAPj_GzoAs__37′,’

How do you know if breast milk is bad after freezing?

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.

How to tell if frozen breast milk is bad?

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.

How long can breastmilk sit out after thawed?

Don’t leave frozen breast milk to defrost at room temperature. Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Don’t thaw or heat frozen breast milk in a microwave or in boiling water.

Why can’t you use frozen breastmilk after 6 months?

Keep in mind that research suggests that the longer you store breast milk — whether in the refrigerator or in the freezer — the greater the loss of vitamin C in the milk. It’s also important to note that your breast milk changes to meet your baby’s needs.

How long does breast milk last after frozen?

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 babies drink cold breast milk?

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

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.