How long does breastmilk in freezer last?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage in the Freezer
When it comes to storing breast milk, many parents are keen to understand how long they can safely keep it in the freezer. The guidelines are quite clear and provide reassurance for those who rely on frozen milk for feeding their infants.
Duration of Storage
Breast milk can be stored in a freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower for up to 12 months. However, for optimal quality, it is recommended to use the milk within six months. This timeframe ensures that the milk retains its nutritional value and taste, which are crucial for a baby’s development.
Types of Freezers
The type of freezer does not significantly impact the storage duration as long as the temperature remains consistently at or below 0°F. Kitchen freezers typically maintain this temperature, but deep freezers or chest freezers may operate at even lower temperatures, potentially extending the quality of the milk.
Thawing and Usage
Once breast milk is frozen, it can be thawed in the refrigerator. It is important to note that once thawed, the milk should be used within 24 hours. The countdown for this 24-hour period begins only after the milk is completely thawed, not from the moment it is removed from the freezer.
Special Considerations
For those using older freezer models with small ice compartments, the recommended storage time is significantly shorter—around two weeks. This is due to the less stable temperatures in these compartments, which can affect the quality of the milk.
In summary, while breast milk can be safely stored in a freezer for up to a year, using it within six months is ideal for maintaining its quality. Parents should also be mindful of how they thaw and use the milk to ensure their babies receive the best nutrition possible.

Can I use 2 year old frozen breastmilk?

Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best.

Does breast milk spoil when frozen?

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. Moving frozen breast milk between freezer locations should be done quickly to ensure that the milk stays frozen.

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 to do with frozen breast milk after 6 months?

If freezing/storing breastmilk in a deep freezer that can maintain a temperature at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit, it may be stored for 6-12 months. Once frozen milk has been thawed, it must be used within 24 hours or discarded.

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.

How to know if frozen breastmilk 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 can you tell if frozen breast milk has gone bad?

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.

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).

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 long is breastmilk good for in the freezer?

about 6 months
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.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘CYRoZ8SBCIe14-EPlMDQgAs__27′,’