How long is breast milk good in the freezer?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage in the Freezer
Breast milk is a precious resource for nursing mothers, and knowing how to store it properly is essential for maintaining its quality and safety. When it comes to freezing breast milk, there are specific guidelines that can help ensure that it remains nutritious for your baby.
Optimal Freezing Duration
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations, expressed breast milk can be stored in a freezer for up to six months while maintaining its high quality. However, it is safe to keep breast milk frozen for up to a year. Despite this extended timeframe, it is important to note that the nutritional value of the milk may begin to diminish after the six-month mark.
Freezing Conditions Matter
For optimal storage, breast milk should be frozen at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. This ensures that the milk remains safe and retains its beneficial properties. If the milk is stored in a deep freezer, it can last longer compared to a standard freezer. The CDC emphasizes the importance of monitoring freezer temperatures to ensure they remain consistently low.
Thawing and Usage Guidelines
Once breast milk has been frozen, it must be thawed properly before use. The CDC advises that thawing should occur in the refrigerator, and once the milk is completely thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. If the milk has been warmed, it should be consumed within two hours . It is crucial to remember that previously frozen milk should not be refrozen after it has been thawed.
Quality Considerations
While freezing breast milk is generally safe, some mothers report changes in taste or smell after prolonged storage. This can be attributed to the breakdown of certain bioactive components in the milk, such as lactoferrin, which may diminish in both quantity and effectiveness over time. Therefore, while the milk may still be safe to consume, its sensory qualities and nutritional benefits may not be as robust after extended freezing.
In summary, for mothers looking to store breast milk, the best practice is to freeze it for no longer than six months for optimal quality, although it remains safe for up to a year. Proper storage conditions and adherence to thawing guidelines are essential to ensure that the milk remains a healthy option for feeding your baby.

How long is breastmilk good for in the freezer?

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

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.

Is frozen breastmilk rancid?

Conclusions. This study revealed that the human breastmilk develops a rancid flavor during frozen storage. Therefore, we recommend that when infants refuse thawed milk, mothers can try to provide freshly expressed milk whenever possible or provide breastmilk frozen for less than 7 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 if a baby drank spoiled breast milk?

This bacteria can cause digestive tract infections such as diarrhea. If a baby has diarrhea, he will become more fussy and become dehydrated. Because, a lot of fluid comes out of his body. If something like this happens, immediately take it to the doctor so the baby can get help.

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.

How long is milk good in a deep freezer?

12 months
If freezing the milk inside a refrigerator with a freezer that has a separate door (0°F or −18°C), milk may be frozen for up to 9 months. If the freezer is a chest or a deep freezer (−4°F or −20°C), milk may be frozen for up to 12 months.

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 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.

Is 2 year old frozen breast milk still good?

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.