How long is breastmilk good for in a deep freezer?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage in Deep Freezers
When it comes to storing breast milk, parents often seek clarity on how long they can safely keep it in a deep freezer. The guidelines are quite reassuring, especially for those who may need to stockpile milk for future use.
Duration of Storage in a Deep Freezer
Breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer, such as a chest freezer, for up to 12 months. This is significantly longer than the 6 months recommended for milk stored in a freezer attached to a refrigerator. The key factor here is the temperature; a deep freezer should maintain a consistent temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or lower to ensure the milk remains safe and retains its nutritional quality.
Quality Over Time
While breast milk can technically be stored for up to a year, it’s important to note that the quality may diminish over time. Experts suggest that while milk stored for several months is still beneficial, fresher milk is generally preferred because it is tailored to the baby’s developmental needs at that specific time. However, using milk that has been frozen for several months is still perfectly acceptable and safe for your baby.
Thawing and Usage Guidelines
Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator. This countdown begins only after the milk has completely thawed, ensuring that parents can manage their milk supply effectively. It’s crucial to avoid refreezing thawed milk, as this can compromise its safety and quality.
In summary, for parents looking to store breast milk, a deep freezer offers a reliable option for long-term storage, allowing for up to a year of preservation. This flexibility can be a significant relief for breastfeeding mothers who may need to balance work, travel, or other commitments while ensuring their baby continues to receive the benefits of breast 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 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.

Can I use 3 year old frozen breast milk?

If you have a deep freezer you can keep up to 12 months. Up to 6 months is best ,but CDC and AAP say 12 months. Always use oldest milk first to reduce risk of it expiring/wasting. Make sure you thaw it out properly. Thawing in the fridge overnight is best. Once it’s thawed and make sure you use it within 24 hours.

How to know if breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

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 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.

Is breastmilk still beneficial for 3 year old?

The Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) has a similar stance, explaining that breastfeeding offers “significant health and developmental benefits for the child” and that there is “no evidence of psychologic or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer.”

How long does breast milk stay good in the deep freezer?

In a deep freezer (or one that you rarely open) breast milk can be stored for up to 1 year. In a regular freezer, you can store it for up to 6 months.

Why did my frozen breastmilk go bad?

As the breastmilk sits in cool temperatures (fridge or freezer), the lipase starts to break down the fat in the milk. The longer it sits, the more you may start to notice the soapy or metallic smell/taste.

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.