freezing breastmilk?

Question

How long can breastmilk be stored for? Can it be frozen for long periods of time? whats the best way to thaw it for feedings?

Answer 1

It can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 8 days. (In fact, studies have shown that human milk has *fewer* bacteria after 8 days of storage than fresh--you do not need to be afraid to store it that long.) In a freezer section of a refrigerator, it's good for 3-4 months, and in a separate deep freezer for at least 6 months. In the fridge, keep it as far as possible from the door; in the freezer, as near the middle as possible. The reason is that it should be stored at a stable temperature. When you open the door of a fridge or freezer, items nearby warm up slightly. And a frost-free freezer (which almost all are today) works by heating up the walls slightly, so you want it far from the outside walls. You can freeze it in glass or hard plastic bottles or in plastic bags designed specifically for freezing human milk. You should not use any other plastic bags, but if you do, seal each bag well, then place inside another bag and seal the second one well, too. (You can put multiple small bags in one larger bag if you choose.) *Only* use bags intended for food for both inner and outer bags. That should go without saying, but I've heard families who do otherwise.

It is best to thaw it immediately before using by holding the container (bag or bottle) under warm running water, gradually heating the water to hot, until it is thawed and warmed. If this is not convenient, it should be thawed in hot (not boiling) water in a pot or bowl. Do not use a microwave, and do not have the pot of water on a lit burner--heat the water and turn it off before thawing the milk in it.

Once heated, the milk should only be used right away, and at a single feeding. If you thaw and don't heat it, it can be kept in the fridge for 24 hours.

Answer 2

Here are the guidelines:
Unrefridgerated breastmilk @ room temp. in closed container: up to 8 hrs
Refridgerated (39*F or lower) in closed container: 3 - 5 days
Freezer section of single-door refridgerator: up to 2 weeks
Freezer section of separate door refridgerator: up to 3 months
Deep Freezer (0*F or lower): 6 - 12 months

Just remember, NEVER EVER thaw out the breastmilk in the microwave...for one, the milk will not heat evenly and you will risk harming your baby with this milk, and for two, the micro waves will kill the nutrients in the milk essential to baby's growth. Instead run the closed bottle under warm water or place in a container that has warm water until it thaws out and reaches a comfortable temperature (test on your wrist)

Goodluck

Answer 3

You can freeze your milk for up to 3 months in a regular freezer, and up to 6 months in a deep freezer. Even if you store it in your freezer, you could effect the quality of it if you open your freezer door often. Make sure you use the proper bags for storing. Put the milk in the fridge first to get it cold, then store in the freezer. I would suggest you actually freeze one... and then thaw it out and see if the smell & taste has changed. I froze many, many ounces of my milk only to find out that the flavor had changed... and it smelled funny. I had used the proper bags, even put them in another freezer bag and stored them all the way in the back near the ice trays. I used baking soda as well to absorb odors... but still it went bad. So before you go through the expense and trouble of doing this, try to see if it freezes well.
You can thaw them in the fridge in a few hours... or place them in a mug filled with warm water (not hot).
I found that my milk was best when stored in the fridge for use within 72 hours.
Hope this helped you.

Answer 4

Refrigerator 5-7days
Freezer of Frig 3-4 months
Freezer chest 6-12 months
I thaw my frozen milk overnight in the frig. And whoever is feeding the bottle warms it up in a cup of warm water.
My rule is that I never feed my daughter a bottle. If I am around I get to feed her. In the beginning I would actually tried to feed her a bottle but she was so picky about the temperature of the bottle with me that it was not worth it.
Oh I use the Playtex dropin system so I pump right it the liner that goes in the bottle. Then there is no need to transfer your milk for storage and then for use.

Answer 5

Contact your local WIC or lactation specialist at your local hospital, but it is safe to store breast milk by freezing, it will keep for one year. To thaw it out you either just put it in the refrigerator until it's thawed (if your child will wait that long) or in warm water until desired temerature. Do not microwave it. When you freeze it make sure it is in an airtight container and date it. Don't put unthawed breastmilk back in the refrigerator for later feeding, throw it away.

Answer 6

Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for 3 days (but I wouldn't keep it in there for more than 24hrs to be honest) and it can be stored in the freezer for 3 months. To thaw breast milk, place the milk in the bottle and the bottle in a bowl of hot water, don't let it thaw out in the fridge this causes bacteria to inhabit the milk.

Answer 7

breastmilk will stay good in the freezer for no longer than 3 months and good in the the frig for 3 days, thaw it with semi hot water in a bowl

Answer 8

Breast milk should only be stored in the freezer for 2 weeks. the best way to thaw breast milk is in luke warm water. Good luck and hang in there. I breast fed my children for 2 - 31/2 years a piece. It is truly a blessing and a good feeling that you are giving your child the best.

Answer 9

Breast milk can be stored safely for 3 months. Use the bags that are pre-sterilized. To thaw, just put in warm water.

Answer 10

up to 24 hours in the refrigerator a week in the freezer and thawed in a cup of cold water.