How many years does breast milk last?

Understanding the Longevity of Breast Milk
Breast milk is a remarkable substance, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants. However, when it comes to its longevity, the context of storage plays a crucial role.
Storage Duration
Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored safely under various conditions. At room temperature, it remains viable for up to four hours. If refrigerated, it can last between three to six days, depending on the specific guidelines followed. For longer-term storage, freezing is the best option. Breast milk can be stored in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 12 months, although it is generally recommended to use it within six months for optimal quality.
Breast Milk Production Duration
On the other hand, the question of how long a mother can produce breast milk is quite different. While the average breastfeeding duration for mothers varies, some women have reported being able to produce milk for many years. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some mothers have breastfed continuously for up to 18 years or more, especially in cases of multiple children. In historical contexts, wet-nurses have been known to provide breast milk for extended periods, with claims of up to 60 years of continuous lactation.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk can be stored effectively for up to a year in the freezer, the ability of a mother to produce breast milk can span many years, depending on individual circumstances and practices. This duality highlights the adaptability of breast milk both in terms of its storage and its production, making it a vital resource for infant nutrition.

How long does milk last in your breast?

Some women’s breast milk supply dries up in a few days. Others will still express a few drops of milk months later. Most women who have breastfed or pumped and begin to wean will see their milk supply drop in two to three weeks, though this can vary depending on your baby’s age and the amount of milk you were making.

At what age does breast milk stop being beneficial?

Most experts agree that breastfeeding through the first year of life is most beneficial to your baby. After that, babies often lose interest in breastfeeding because they are becoming more mobile. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first 2 years of life.

Why do I still have milk in my breast after 10 years?

This is called idiopathic galactorrhea. It may mean that your breast tissue is particularly sensitive to the milk-producing hormone prolactin in your blood. If you have increased sensitivity to prolactin, even normal prolactin levels can lead to galactorrhea.

Is breast milk healthy for my husband?

However, drinking breast milk is safe only if it is from your partner whom you know well. This is because breast milk is a bodily fluid, and you do not want yourself to be at risk of infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus, or syphilis.

How many years does breast milk stop producing?

It usually takes several weeks for your breasts to completely stop producing milk after you stop breastfeeding. Some women continue to produce milk up to 2 years after they have stopped breastfeeding. Contact your GP if you’ve stopped breastfeeding and: you’re still producing a lot of milk.

Can breast milk last for years?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastmilk can be stored 6-8 hours at room temperature (up to 77 degrees), 8 days in the refrigerator (39 degrees or colder), 6-9 months in a freezer (0 degrees or colder), and 12 months in a deep freezer (-4 degrees or colder).

How many years can give breast milk?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

When do babies stop having milk?

You should continue to breastfeed or give your baby first infant formula until they’re at least 1 year old. Breastfeeding will continue to benefit you and your baby for as long as you carry on. As your baby eats more solid foods, the amount of milk they want will decrease.

At what age is breast milk no longer beneficial?

It adds: “You and your baby can carry on enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding for as long as you like.” The World Health Organization agrees that breastfeeding should continue “up to two years of age or beyond”.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”