What is the best way to freeze breast milk?

The Best Way to Freeze Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Freezing breast milk is an essential skill for nursing mothers, allowing them to store their milk safely for later use. Understanding the best practices for freezing breast milk not only ensures the milk retains its nutritional value but also safeguards the health of the baby. Here’s a detailed look at how to effectively freeze breast milk.
Timing is Key
The first step in freezing breast milk is to do so as soon as possible after expressing it. Freshly expressed milk should be frozen immediately if you anticipate not using it within four days, as the properties that inhibit bacterial growth begin to decline after this period. This proactive approach helps maintain the milk’s quality and safety.
Choosing the Right Containers
When it comes to storage, selecting the appropriate containers is crucial. Breast milk storage bags specifically designed for freezing are highly recommended due to their durability and convenience. Alternatively, clean glass or hard BPA-free plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids can also be used. It’s important to avoid containers with the recycle number 7, as they may contain harmful BPA.
Optimal Freezing Conditions
To ensure the best preservation of breast milk, it should be placed in the coldest part of the freezer, ideally at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or colder. This location is typically at the back of the freezer, away from the door, where temperatures can fluctuate. Properly frozen breast milk can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, making it a reliable option for future feedings.
Labeling and Organizing
Once the milk is stored, labeling each container with the date of expression is essential. This practice helps in managing the milk supply and ensures that older milk is used first, adhering to the principle of “first in, first out.” Keeping the freezer organized can also help in quickly locating the milk when needed.
Thawing and Using Frozen Milk
When it’s time to use the frozen breast milk, it’s important to thaw it safely. The best methods include placing the container in the refrigerator overnight or submerging it in warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may scald the baby and can also destroy some of the milk’s beneficial properties.
Conclusion
Freezing breast milk is a straightforward process that, when done correctly, can provide a valuable resource for nursing mothers. By following these guidelines—freezing promptly, using appropriate containers, storing in optimal conditions, and labeling effectively—mothers can ensure their milk remains safe and nutritious for their little ones. This careful approach not only supports the baby’s health but also offers peace of mind for parents managing their feeding schedules.

What is the best method for freezing breast milk?

The trick: Freeze the breast milk in ice cube trays. Then, when the milk is frozen, pop the cubes out and transfer them into a regular freezer bag. “This is my favorite way of storing milk,” says Charity Pitcher-Cooper, a lactation consultant and nurse at my pediatrician’s office.

How many bags of breastmilk should I freeze a day?

Multiply 12-16 ounces by 3-5 days. If you’ll be missing four feedings per day, multiply 12-16 ounces by 3-5 days, and you’ll get a total of somewhere between 36 and 80 ounces.

What are the disadvantages of freezing breast milk?

Deep freezer.
Keep in mind that research suggests that the longer you store breast milk — whether in the refrigerator or in the freezer — the greater the loss of vitamin C in the milk. It’s also important to note that your breast milk changes to meet your baby’s needs.

Which container is best for storing breast milk?

When collecting breast milk, be sure to store it in clean containers such as screw cap bottles, hard plastic cups with tight lids, or heavy-duty bags that fit directly into bottles. Avoid using ordinary plastic storage bags or formula bottle bags, ask these can easily leak or spill.

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.

Is it better to freeze breast milk or deep freezer?

Using frozen milk within one month is the best way to ensure that it retains all of its anti-bacterial and immunological properties, but many lactation consultants and doctors will tell you the milk is safe in a conventional freezer for up to 3 months and in a deep freezer for 6-12 months.

Can I mix breast milk from different days?

Can I add freshly expressed breast milk to already stored milk? You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or frozen milk. However, thoroughly cool the freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

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

Is it better to freeze breast milk in bottles or bags?

A safe start would be freezing it in breast milk storage bags in 2 oz portions. The smaller portions make it easier to thaw exactly what baby needs and reduces wasted milk. This approach does mean you use a lot more storage bags so if that’s a greater concern for you re cost, plastic trash generated, etc.

What is considered a good freezer stash of breastmilk?

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.