How to store breastmilk in a deep freezer?

Storing Breast Milk in a Deep Freezer: A Comprehensive Guide
Storing breast milk properly is crucial for maintaining its safety and nutritional quality. For mothers who pump and store milk for later use, a deep freezer can be an excellent option, allowing for longer storage times compared to standard refrigerator freezers. Here’s how to effectively store breast milk in a deep freezer.
Choosing the Right Containers
The first step in storing breast milk is selecting appropriate containers. Use containers specifically designed for breast milk storage, such as BPA-free plastic bottles or breast milk storage bags. It’s essential to ensure that these containers are freezer-safe, as some materials, like glass, may crack at low temperatures.
Preparing the Milk for Freezing
Before freezing, label each container with the date and time the milk was expressed. This practice helps you keep track of how long the milk has been stored. When filling the containers, leave some space at the top, as breast milk expands when frozen. It’s advisable to freeze milk in small portions, typically 2 to 4 ounces, to minimize waste and make thawing easier.
Freezing Techniques
When placing the containers in the deep freezer, avoid putting them in the door. Instead, store them at the back of the freezer where the temperature is more stable. For optimal organization, consider using a system where you stack or line up the bags or bottles in chronological order. Some mothers find it helpful to use gallon-sized bags, numbering them for easy access.
Storage Duration
Breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer for up to six to twelve months. However, for the best quality, it’s recommended to use the milk within six months. Regularly check your stored milk and rotate your supply to ensure that older milk is used first.
Thawing and Using Frozen Milk
When it’s time to use the frozen breast milk, thaw it in the refrigerator or by placing the container under warm running water. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may harm your baby. Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours and should not be refrozen.
Safety Tips
To maintain the quality and safety of stored breast milk, adhere to the following guidelines:
– Do not refreeze thawed milk.
– Keep the freezer at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
– Regularly check the freezer’s temperature to ensure it remains stable.
By following these steps, mothers can confidently store breast milk in a deep freezer, ensuring that their little ones receive the best nutrition possible, even when they are not available to breastfeed directly.

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 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.

What is a good breastmilk freezer stash?

How much milk should you save. As a working parent, a good goal for your milk stash is 3-5 days (or 36 to 80 ounces) of milk in the freezer before starting back to work, although the amount ultimately depends on how long you’ll be away from your little one each day.

How long will breast milk stay frozen in a deep freezer without power?

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) says Trusted SourceFood & Drug AdministrationFood and Water Safety During Power Outages and FloodsSee All Sources that a full freezer will keep its temperature for approximately 48 hours or 24 hours if it’s half full, as long as the door stays closed.

How to store breast milk in a deep freezer?

You can use large silicone freezer bags, like Stasher bags, or large ziptop bags that are designed for the freezer. For long term storage (4-6+ months), we recommend transferring to a vacuum-sealed bag to keep the breast milk as fresh as possible.

Is it better to keep breast milk in a deep freezer or regular freezer?

As long as the temperature of the freezer is 0°F or below, the type of freezer does not matter. 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.

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.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

Should I freeze breastmilk flat or upright?

If using breastmilk storage bags, squeeze the air from the top before sealing tightly. In general, place storage bags upright in another container or the milk may leak. But if the double zipper seal on the breastmilk storage bag is reliable, freezing the milk flat will result in faster thawing.

How do I start my freezer stash while breastfeeding?

1. Determine just how large of a breast milk freezer stash you actually need.
2. Start ahead of time.
3. Pump in the morning after your baby’s first feed.
4. Increase your supply naturally.
5. Focus on saving extra milk when your baby is still tiny.
6. Utilize compression and massage.
7. Freeze in small batches so there’s no waste.