What is the longest you can freeze breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage: Freezing Guidelines
When it comes to storing breast milk, especially for mothers who express milk for later use, understanding the freezing guidelines is crucial for ensuring the milk remains safe and nutritious for infants. The question of how long breast milk can be frozen is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers.
Freezing Duration Recommendations
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk can be safely stored in a deep freezer (at temperatures below 0°F) for three to six months. However, the Human Milk Banking Association of North America extends this recommendation, stating that breast milk can be stored for up to nine months in optimal freezing conditions. This extended timeframe is particularly beneficial for mothers who may have an oversupply of milk or who wish to stockpile for future use.
Storage Conditions Matter
The effectiveness of freezing breast milk also heavily depends on the storage conditions. It is essential to ensure that the freezer maintains a consistent temperature of 0°F or lower. Fluctuations in temperature can compromise the quality of the milk, leading to potential spoilage. For best practices, mothers are advised to use appropriate containers designed for freezing, such as breast milk storage bags or hard plastic containers, to prevent freezer burn and contamination.
Thawing and Usage Guidelines
Once breast milk has been frozen, it is important to follow specific guidelines for thawing and usage. Thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator and should never be refrozen after thawing. Additionally, any milk that has been warmed should be consumed within two hours to ensure safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk can be frozen for a maximum of nine months under ideal conditions, the recommended duration for optimal quality is typically between three to six months. By adhering to proper storage and thawing guidelines, mothers can ensure that their expressed milk remains safe and nutritious for their babies.

Is breast milk still good after 2 years in the freezer?

The Academy recommends storing breast milk for three to six months if frozen in a deep freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or below. The Human Milk Banking Association of North America says milk can be stored under such conditions for up to a year, although less than three months is preferred.

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 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 to do with frozen breastmilk after 6 months?

If freezing/storing breastmilk in a deep freezer that can maintain a temperature at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit, it may be stored for 6-12 months. Once frozen milk has been thawed, it must be used within 24 hours or discarded.

How to tell if frozen breast milk is bad?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.

What is the longest amount of time you should store frozen breast milk?

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.

How long is breast milk good for in the freezer?

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.

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.

Can I use 2 year old frozen breast milk?

Milk past 12 months in deep freeze is SAFE to use but may experience some degradation of the fats and nutritional qualities.

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).