Frozen breastmilk

Amanda - posted on 06/10/2009

Breastmilk can be kept in a deep freezer for 6 + months (the + depending on how often the freezer is opened). This is only my two cense: I would use the milk you have frozen first, try mixing it in with fresh pumped milk, like half and half. You wouldn't have to do it every feeding just whenever you wanted until you used all the older stock up. Then you could freeze the newer stuff that wasn't eaten for later use, like rotating stock, for when your on your trip. I would not just toss it out- it's still good. I would just rotate your stock. I hope that you would never have problems with your supply (like I did) but one never knows what might cause a drop in production and if you ever experience one you have some frozen milk to fall back on. And if you are planning on pumping while away and not able to get the milk to you little one (you can ship breastmilk, but it kind of takes a lot), you may think about donating it to someone in the area you are visiting. I know, I know.........you may think WHAT!, but just check out this website and make your own educated decission. It has a lot of other useful info on it too that doesn't involve donating. http://milkshare.birthingforlife.com/.



I am a mommy to a 14 month old that I BF for 11 months. My supply was wonderful until my periods returned ( 3 months post partum). Thank goodness that I had a frozen supply to pull from during those times. It dropped significantly when I returned to work. I had to pump every hour to keep up with her! The deciding factor for me to stop was my doctor saying "you have to stop because your body can not support three". Baby # 2 is due in Nov..



I hope my two cense is useful. There are a ton of websites out there that have really good info on them. You can even get magnets or print outs of the 'Breastmilk is good for "this long" in this "envirnment" '. Good luck.

Carly - posted on 06/10/2009

Thaw one bag if it smells sour toss it all. mine soured in the freeze so I tossed it all, totally heartbreaking since so many women have so little milk but better than a sick tummy

Olivia - posted on 06/09/2009

I was told up to 12 months if the freezer is not opened often or is a deep freezer.

Sheena - posted on 06/09/2009

I also think it's best to give your son some newer milk. Not only for the freshness, but also because your body has changed the "formula" of the milk to adapt to what your son needs right now nutritionally.

Rebecca - posted on 06/09/2009

Freshly pumped milk can last at room temp for 6-7hrs, in a fridge it can last a week, in a fridge/freezer it can last 6 months (if not stored on the door), and in a deep freeze it can last for 12 months.

Here is a web site for reference if you want:

http://www.llli.org/FAQ/milkstorage.html

Cassy - posted on 06/09/2009

Fresh is always best anyway. I get all the air out of the bags and my son can still tell if it's over a month old. The less it's been in the freezer the better it tastes.

Kimberly - posted on 06/09/2009

I was told that if it is in a freezer that doesn't get opened much (like a deep freeze), it can last up to a year.You can always look for freezer burn, if it looks ok, you should be fine. I had one package of mine (I didn't get the air out, & it looked freezer burned, so I tossed it to be safe.

Sheri - posted on 06/09/2009

my baby book said you can freeze breast milk up to 8 months as long as its not kept in the freezer door.

Ember - posted on 06/09/2009

Thanks for your replies, it has been in a deep freezer but I am just not comfortable using it. I am going to pump fresh.

Julie - posted on 06/09/2009

Frozen milk

freezer compartment located inside a refrigerator - 2 weeks

separate door refrigerator/freezer - 3 or 4 months (temperature varies because the door opens frequently)

separate deep freeze at constant -19 C (0 F) - 6 months or longer



This is the La Leche League International guidelines on storing frozen milk. They are the experts on the subject.

Angela - posted on 06/09/2009

I was told 5 days fresh in fridge, 5 hours after being pumped at room temp and 5 months in fridge....

User - posted on 06/09/2009

Thaw the breast milk you have and use the feedings you use the thawed milk for to pump fresh - you're now well within the 6 month shelf life.

Kat - posted on 06/09/2009

I think it's 6 months if it's in a deep freezer. For a regular freezer attached to a refrigerator I think it's only 2-3 months. I'd pump fresh milk to be safe.

Karri - posted on 06/09/2009

Yea..I have heard 6 months too but like the other girl mentioned I think I would pump some fresh booby milk just to be on the safe side and not take any chances!

Lucy - posted on 06/09/2009

I was told it was 3months, i would pump fresh just to be on the safe side. you've got time to build up a good supply closer to going away.