Why cant you use frozen breast milk after 12 months?

Understanding the Limitations of Frozen Breast Milk
Breast milk is often hailed as the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that support a baby’s growth and immune system. However, when it comes to storing breast milk, particularly in frozen form, there are important guidelines to consider, especially regarding the duration of storage.
Nutritional Degradation Over Time
One of the primary reasons why frozen breast milk is not recommended for use after 12 months is the gradual degradation of its nutritional quality. Research indicates that while breast milk can be stored in a deep freezer for up to 12 months, its nutrient content begins to decline significantly after about six months. Studies suggest that after this period, the milk may lose between 3% to 10% of its vital nutrients. This degradation can affect the milk’s overall effectiveness in providing the necessary nutrition for a growing infant.
Safety Concerns
While there is no substantial evidence to suggest that long-term frozen breast milk harbors pathogens, the safety of the milk is not the only concern. The longer breast milk is stored, the more likely it is to undergo changes that could affect its quality. For instance, the fat content may separate, and the milk may develop off-flavors, making it less palatable for infants.
Recommendations from Health Authorities
Health organizations, including the CDC, recommend that breast milk be used within six months for optimal quality. Although it can technically be stored for up to 12 months, the consensus is that using it sooner is preferable. This recommendation is based on the understanding that while the milk may still be safe to consume after a year, its nutritional benefits may not be as robust as when it was freshly expressed or frozen within the recommended time frame.
Conclusion
In summary, while frozen breast milk can be stored for up to 12 months, the decline in nutritional quality and potential changes in taste and texture make it less ideal for use after this period. Parents are encouraged to adhere to storage guidelines to ensure that their infants receive the best possible nutrition from breast milk. By prioritizing the use of milk stored for shorter durations, caregivers can help ensure that their babies receive the full benefits of this vital source of nourishment.

What is the lifespan of defrosted breastmilk?

Use milk within 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator (from the time it is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer). Use thawed milk within 2 hours of bringing to room temperature or warming. Never refreeze thawed milk.

How do you know if frozen breast milk has gone bad?

Expressed human milk may undergo odor changes when stored. Parents sometimes describe expressed or defrosted milk as smelling odd – metallic, soapy, or even rancid.

Can old frozen breast milk make baby sick?

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.

Why is frozen breastmilk bad after a year?

As long as it has been safely stored breastmilk can really be frozen indefinitely it’s just that it starts to lose nutrients after a year.

Can you use breast milk after 12 months?

After 12 months, they recommend continued nursing “as long as you and your baby desire it”. The AAP does not recommend an upper age limit for weaning from breastfeeding. If you want to continue breastfeeding, be sure to avoid the pitfalls that can lead to weaning resistance.

Is breast milk not good after 1 year?

There are many professional associations that recommend breastfeeding beyond 1 year, but to date there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful in any way. There is currently no known age when breastmilk is considered to be nutritionally insignificant for a child.

Is 2 year old breast milk still good?

Research has found that breast milk retains its nutritional quality for the entire duration of breastfeeding. Plus, its composition may change based on the needs of your growing child. For example, one study found that the nutritional content of breast milk mostly stays the same during the second year of life.

Can I use frozen breast milk after 12 months?

Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best.

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

Breastmilk is good for up to 12 months in the freezer. The CDC used to specify different lengths of time for different types of freezers. They changed their recommendations to “best by 6 months, good up to 12 months” regardless of freezer style.

How can you tell if frozen breast milk has gone bad?

Digestive enzymes and other components of breastmilk remain active even when milk is expressed or pumped. Expressed human milk may undergo odor changes when stored. Parents sometimes describe expressed or defrosted milk as smelling odd – metallic, soapy, or even rancid.