How Long Can You Freeze Breast Milk?

New mothers have a lot to think about when it comes to nourishing their babies. Breastfeeding provides ideal infant nutrition, but it’s not always possible for moms to directly breastfeed at every feeding. Thankfully, there are options to help give babies breast milk even when moms can’t nurse them directly.

Pumping breast milk allows mothers to stockpile liquid gold for later use. But once pumped and stored, how long does breast milk last and retain its nutritional integrity? Knowing proper storage guidelines helps moms get the most out of their milk supply.

This article provides storage timelines for frozen breast milk so mothers can optimally preserve the precious food they produce for their little ones. Breast milk can maintain many benefits during refrigeration and freezing with the right freezing techniques.

Can You Freeze Breast Milk?

Breast milk can be frozen for up to 12 months in a deep freezer, though it’s best used within 3 days. Store breast milk in clean food containers or unused breast milk storage bags – avoid #7 plastic bottles with BPA. Freezing causes changes like rupturing fat globules and altering casein micelles. However, frozen breast milk retains most nutrients and antibodies. Thaw frozen milk in the fridge or by running warm water over the bottle. Don’t microwave or refreeze thawed milk. Label milk with date. Use the oldest milk first. Freezing lets moms stockpile extra breast milk.

Can You Freeze Breast Milk in Bottles?

Yes, breast milk can be frozen in bottles, but glass bottles may crack at low temperatures. To prevent this, use freezer-proof breast milk storage bags. These bags are designed to withstand freezing temperatures without compromising milk quality. Opting for freezer-proof bags ensures the safety and integrity of the stored breast milk during freezing.

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Can You Freeze Breast Milk After Refrigerating?

Absolutely, you can freeze breast milk after refrigerating it. According to the CDC, refrigerated breast milk should be used or discarded after four days. Freezing breast milk within this timeframe helps maintain its freshness and nutritional value. By promptly freezing breast milk, you can preserve its quality and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.

How Long is Breast Milk Good For?

How long breast milk remains good for storage depends on the method of storage:

At Room Temperature: According to the CDC, freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. The Mayo Clinic suggests it can be kept at room temperature for up to six hours, but it’s advisable to use or store it within four hours to ensure optimal safety and freshness.

In the Refrigerator: Freshly pumped breast milk can be stored in the back of the fridge (not the door) for up to 4 days. Previously frozen breast milk that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for 24 hours before it needs to be used. Leftover breast milk from a feeding (that the baby didn’t finish) can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 hours. After that, it should be discarded.

In the Freezer: Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for about 6 months for optimal quality. However, it can be stored for up to 12 months, albeit with a slight decrease in quality. Properly stored frozen breast milk retains most of its nutrients and benefits for your baby.

How to Freeze Breast Milk

The proper and best way to freeze breast milk is mentioned below:

  • Store Small Amounts: Divide breast milk into smaller portions, typically 2–4 ounces, which is the amount typically offered at one feeding. This allows for easier thawing and minimizes wastage.
  • Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Opt for glass or BPA-free plastic containers that seal tightly and are specifically designed for freezer use. Ensuring the containers are freezer-grade helps maintain the quality of the breast milk during storage.
  • Leave Space at the Top: Leave approximately one inch of space at the top of the container to accommodate the expansion of breast milk as it freezes. This prevents the containers from bursting or leaking.
  • Freeze Right After Pumping: If you know you won’t be using refrigerated breast milk within four days of pumping, it’s advisable to freeze it immediately after pumping. This helps preserve the freshness and nutritional content of the milk.

Use cooler packs: If you need to transport pumped breast milk or store it temporarily before freezing, consider using a cooler or insulated cooler pack with frozen ice packs. This helps maintain the temperature of the breast milk for up to 24 hours after pumping, ensuring its safety and quality.

How to Thaw Breast Milk

Here’s how to thaw breast milk properly:

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  • Fridge: Thaw breast milk in the refrigerator for approximately 12 hours. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the integrity and nutritional value of the milk.
  • Warm Water: Another method is to hold the bottle or bag of frozen milk under warm running water, ensuring the temperature doesn’t exceed 37°C or 99°F. Alternatively, you can place the container of milk in a cup, pot, bowl, or basin of warm water. This gentle thawing method preserves the quality of the milk.
  • Room Temperature: Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours. However, using or refrigerating the milk within this timeframe is essential to prevent bacterial growth.

It’s important not to thaw breast milk in very hot water or in the microwave, as this can decrease some of the milk’s healthy properties and create hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth.

Once breast milk is defrosted, you can warm it up and use it immediately, leave it out at room temperature for up to four hours, or refrigerate it again for up to 24 hours. Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours to maintain its freshness and safety.

Wrapping Up

Knowing how to properly store and freeze breast milk empowers new mothers to make the most of their milk supply. Following evidence-based guidelines for refrigerating and freezing ensures breast milk retains its nutritional content and antibodies that boost babies’ health and development. While some changes to milk components are inevitable during freezing, frozen breast milk still provides most of the benefits of fresh milk.

Mothers can feel confident that their frozen breast milk will nourish their little ones by using the right storage containers, carefully labeling milk, and properly thawing. With the precious resources mothers produce, knowledge about storage and handling gives them the tools to provide their babies with the liquid gold of breast milk for months to come.

FAQs

Can warmed breast milk be refrigerated again?

Yes, warmed breast milk can be refrigerated again if the baby does not finish the bottle, but it must be used within 24 hours. Store it in a clean container or breast milk storage bag and label it with the date. To maintain its quality, avoid reheating previously warmed breast milk multiple times.

How to use frozen breast milk?

To use frozen breast milk, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight or under warm running water. Avoid thawing in hot water or the microwave to preserve its nutritional properties. Once thawed, gently swirl the milk to mix the fat layers before feeding.

Can you mix frozen breast milk from different days

It’s generally safe to mix frozen breast milk from different days as long as they’re within the same temperature range. So, yes, frozen breast milk can be combined, but the milk should be dated for the oldest milk. Thaw each batch separately and then combine them in a clean container before feeding. Label the container with the date of the oldest milk.

How to travel with frozen breast milk?

When traveling with frozen breast milk, ensuring its safe transport is important. Use leak-proof pouches or containers suitable for the freezer and pack them in an insulated cooler bag lined with newspaper for insulation. Avoid direct contact between dry ice and milk bags. For security screening, transport breast milk in clear bottles to expedite the process with TSA officers.