How long will breast milk last in the freezer?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage in the Freezer
When it comes to storing breast milk, many parents are keen to understand how long it can safely last in the freezer. The guidelines are clear and provide reassurance for those who rely on frozen milk for their infants.
Duration of Storage
Breast milk can be stored in a freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below for up to 12 months. However, for optimal quality, it is recommended to use the milk within 6 months. This timeframe ensures that the milk retains its nutritional value and bioactive components, which can diminish over time due to freezing.
Thawing and Usage
Once breast milk is frozen, the process of thawing is crucial. Thawed breast milk must be used within 24 hours if it has been thawed in the refrigerator. If the milk is warmed, it should be consumed within two hours. After this period, any unused milk should be discarded to ensure the baby’s safety .
Quality Considerations
It’s important to note that while freezing preserves breast milk, some mothers report changes in taste or smell after freezing, which can be attributed to the breakdown of certain components over time. This is particularly noticeable if the milk has been stored for an extended period.
Best Practices for Freezing
To maximize the quality of frozen breast milk, parents should use appropriate containers that are specifically designed for freezing. It’s advisable not to fill containers to the brim, as milk expands when frozen. Additionally, labeling containers with the date of expression can help in managing the storage duration effectively.
In summary, breast milk can be a reliable source of nutrition for infants when stored correctly in the freezer. By adhering to the recommended storage times and thawing guidelines, parents can ensure that their babies receive the best possible nourishment from breast milk, even when it has been frozen.

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 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 does breastmilk last in 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.

Can I use 3 year old frozen breast milk?

You can keep milk frozen for up to 12 months (but using within the first 6 months is optimal, according to Mayo Clinic [1]).

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 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).

Does pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

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.

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.

Can I combine milk from different pumping sessions?

According to experts, it is generally safe to mix breast milk from different pumping sessions, as long as the date and temperature of the milk are the same. This means that you can combine milk that you have pumped on the same day and store it in the same container.