Is it good to have a freezer stash of breastmilk?

The Benefits of a Freezer Stash of Breastmilk
Building a freezer stash of breastmilk can be a valuable strategy for breastfeeding mothers, offering both convenience and peace of mind. As many new parents navigate the challenges of feeding their infants, having a reserve of breastmilk can alleviate stress, especially when returning to work or during times when direct breastfeeding may not be possible.
Storage Guidelines and Longevity
Breastmilk can be safely stored in a freezer for up to six months, with some guidelines suggesting it may remain good for up to twelve months under optimal conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that while the best practice is to use frozen milk within six months, it can still be effective for a longer period if stored correctly. This flexibility allows parents to plan ahead, ensuring they have enough milk on hand for various situations, such as trips away from home or unexpected changes in feeding routines.
Convenience and Flexibility
One of the primary advantages of having a freezer stash is the convenience it provides. For mothers returning to work, a well-stocked freezer can ensure that caregivers have access to breastmilk without the need for daily pumping sessions. This can help maintain the breastfeeding relationship while allowing mothers to fulfill their professional responsibilities. Additionally, having a stash can be particularly beneficial during growth spurts or when a mother’s milk supply fluctuates, providing a reliable source of nutrition for the baby.
Potential Challenges
However, the pursuit of a large freezer stash is not without its challenges. Some experts caution against the pressure to accumulate excessive amounts of milk, as this can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety for breastfeeding mothers. The focus should ideally be on meeting the baby’s needs rather than achieving a specific quantity. Moreover, improper storage practices can compromise the quality of the milk. For instance, storing milk in the freezer door, where temperatures fluctuate more, is discouraged.
Best Practices for Storing Breastmilk
To maximize the benefits of a freezer stash, mothers should adhere to best practices for storage. Freshly expressed milk should be cooled before freezing, and it’s important to use appropriate storage bags or containers designed for breastmilk. When it comes time to use the frozen milk, it should be thawed in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water, ensuring that it retains its nutritional value.
Conclusion
In summary, having a freezer stash of breastmilk can be a practical and beneficial strategy for breastfeeding mothers, providing flexibility and security in feeding their infants. While it is essential to be mindful of storage practices and the potential pressures of accumulating large quantities, a well-managed stash can significantly ease the transition back to work and support ongoing breastfeeding efforts. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a feeding plan that works best for both mother and baby, ensuring that the nutritional needs of the child are met while also accommodating the mother’s lifestyle.

When to start pumping to build a stash?

Once you get in the nursing groove and your supply regulates—typically about six to 12 weeks after giving birth—it’s a great time to dive into the world of pumping. Most moms find morning is the best time to add a pump, as your supply is usually naturally higher after you’ve (hopefully) gotten a little extra rest.

How much breastmilk do I need to stockpile?

Take the number of feedings you’ll be missing (in this case four), and multiply that by an average of 3-4 ounces per feeding (this is the average amount for breastfed babies between 1-6 months), and you’d need something like 12-16 ounces per day.

How many ounces is a good milk stash?

36-48 ounces
Plan to have about three daycare days worth of milk in your freezer. Label this “WORK MILK.” For most who work an eight hour work day, you can expect baby to each about 12-16 ounces in an 8 hour period at daycare, so a comfortable freezer stash is 36-48 ounces.

How much breastmilk do babies drink by age?

Breast milk feedings and amounts by age

Age	Time between feedings	Ounces per feeding
1-3 Months	3-4 hours	3-4 ounces
3-6 months	4-6 hours	4-8 ounces
6-9 months	4-6 hours	6-8 ounces
9-12 months	5-8 hours	7-8 ounces

How much is a good freezer stash of breast milk?

Okay, phew. Back to pumping and milk stashes. How much milk do I really need in my freezer stash? Most families only need about 2 full days worth of a milk stash (around 50 oz/1500 ml). This gives you some wiggle room once you go back to work or to handle unforeseen separation from baby.

Does freezing breastmilk affect quality?

Thawed milk is an excellent alternative when fresh breast milk isn’t available. Previously frozen breast milk has similar nutrient and antibody content to fresh milk. It does lose a small amount of those qualities but can still provide a baby with the nutrition it needs.

What is a good amount of breastmilk to have stored?

Unless you’re pumping for another reason—say, donating milk to the local milk bank—you just need enough milk to cover a few bottles for your baby. A good goal might be 15-30 ounces to start, keeping in mind that your baby will typically take 2-4 ounces for a feed.

What are the disadvantages of frozen breast milk?

Some of the immune enhancing properties of breastmilk are decreased over time when milk is frozen. However, the risk of bacterial contamination of milk that has been kept in the refrigerator too long and not frozen, far outweighs the downside of freezing milk.

Should I have a freezer stash of breastmilk?

If breastfeeding is going well there is no need to have a freezer stash. Having milk in the freezer is a nice security, but if you’re usually with your baby or gone for only a short while occasionally, there is no need to have a stash.

Does freezing breast milk destroy antibodies?

Remember to label the breast milk with the date that you pumped it. Thaw milk in the refrigerator or in warm water just before feeding. Thawed milk must be used within 24 hours. Note: freezing breastmilk destroys some of its antibodies.