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Why is frozen breast milk only good for 12 months?

The Shelf Life of Frozen Breast Milk: Understanding the 12-Month Limit
Frozen breast milk is a precious resource for many parents, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that support a baby’s growth and immune system. However, the recommendation to use frozen breast milk within 12 months raises questions about its safety and nutritional quality over time.
Nutritional Degradation Over Time
One of the primary reasons for the 12-month guideline is the gradual degradation of nutrients in breast milk when stored in a freezer. While freezing preserves breast milk and prevents bacterial growth, it does not halt the breakdown of certain vital components. Studies indicate that after about nine months, breast milk begins to lose some of its nutritional value, particularly in terms of fat content and certain vitamins. This decline can affect the milk’s overall effectiveness in providing the necessary nourishment for infants.
Safety Considerations
Safety is another critical factor in the storage of frozen breast milk. Over time, even in a frozen state, the risk of freezer burn and contamination increases. Freezer burn occurs when air reaches the surface of the milk, leading to dehydration and changes in texture and flavor. While this does not necessarily make the milk unsafe, it can affect its palatability and, consequently, a baby’s willingness to consume it.
Moreover, the 12-month guideline is also a precautionary measure to ensure that parents are using the milk while it is still at its best quality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of proper storage techniques to maintain the safety and quality of expressed breast milk.
Practical Implications for Parents
For parents, adhering to the 12-month guideline means being mindful of how they store and label their frozen breast milk. It is advisable to use airtight containers and to clearly mark the date of expression. This practice not only helps in tracking the age of the milk but also encourages timely usage, ensuring that infants receive the most nutritious and safe milk possible.
In conclusion, while frozen breast milk can technically be stored for longer than 12 months, the recommendation to use it within this timeframe is rooted in the desire to provide infants with the highest quality nutrition and to minimize safety risks. By understanding these guidelines, parents can make informed decisions about how to best support their baby’s health through breast milk.

Is breast milk still beneficial after 1 year?

The importance of breastfeeding for the growth and health of infants in the first year of life is well-established and there is convincing evidence that breastfeeding beyond 12 months has a positive influence on a child’s health and development [2,3].

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.

Why does breast milk expire after 1 year?

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.

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.

Why can’t you use frozen breast milk after 12 months?

The Mayo Clinic also explained that the longer you store breast milk in the fridge or freezer, the more it loses its content of vitamin C and the breast milk you store when your baby is younger may not meet the needs they have when they are older.

Why did my frozen breast milk go bad?

The longer milk is frozen, the greater the potential for changes in smell or taste. Aim to keep the milk in the freezer for the shortest time possible. Many nursing parents who are separated from their children after returning to work or school express and leave milk for the next day only.

Can I use 9 month old frozen breastmilk?

Chest or a deep freezer: Breast milk frozen and stored in this type of freezer at −4°F (−20°C) can be kept the longest. You can keep milk frozen for up to 12 months (but using within the first 6 months is optimal, according to Mayo Clinic [1]).

Is frozen milk safe after 6 months?

Defrosting and using frozen milk
You can safely store frozen milk in your freezer for up to 6 months, but it’s best if you can use it within 1 month of freezing. Milk should be defrosted in the fridge as opposed to at room temperature to decrease the risk of bacterial growth.

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.

Why does frozen breast milk go bad?

The reasons are not well understood. One theory is that lipases, which are enzymes that naturally occur in human milk, continue working even when milk is frozen, breaking down fats and releasing fatty acids that can smell soapy or metallic.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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