Breastmilk storage options?

Question

I express milk into a storage bottle and seal it. My questions are:

1. Is it okay to freeze the milk after it has been out for 5 hrs untouched?

2. Is it okay to freeze the milk after it has been in the fridge for a day or two untouched?

Answer 1

The complete storage guideline are here:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html

So at room temperature(66-72F) it is safe to store milk for 10 hours.

It is safe to freeze milk (in a self-contained fridge freezer) for 3-6 months.

So if you store the milk at room temperature for 5 hours (or half the maximum) and then freeze it I would only store it in the freezer for 2-3 months (or about half the time allowed).

You can store fresh milk for 8 days in the fridge. So I would say if you leave it out for 2 days than you could still freeze it for 4-6 months (or about 25% less than 6 months).

You may find it best to put a "use by" date rather than a pumped date on your frozen milk. Use the milk with the soonest "use by date" first. Likely you will not end up with milk in the freezer for longer than 2 or 3 weeks if you cycle it properly and are away a lot. If not just be sure to pump enough once in awhile to replace what is the freezer and resign yourself to the fact that you may toss a fair bit. (I have tossed ever single ounce of milk I have ever pumped as I have never ended up using it, it stops bugging you after awhile).

I hope that helps.

Answer 2

don't freeze the milk if it's been out of the fridge for 5 hours. i'm not sure what harm this could do, but just toss it... you'll make more. but i'm pretty sure you're supposed to freeze the milk immediately after pumping and you're supposed to toss breast milk after a day or so if it hasn't been used. at least that's what my la leche lady told me. trust me, they know EVERYTHING about breastfeeding. not sure if they have a website or not, but you could type la leche league into your search bar and see. they help you with everything and don't charge you a penny.

Answer 3

Yes and yes. It's only not okay to freeze after it's been frozen and thawed. You can't freeze twice. Breast milk is good at room temp for 6-10 hours. Try to refrigerate it right after pumping, then freeze as necessary. But keeping it at room temp before freezing won't hurt any. As long as you don't double freeze breast milk, or microwave it you'll be fine. :)

Answer 4

%. it in dry ice and examine it in shipment. If meat must be shipped in one day in dry ice, i imagine your breastmilk will be nice. in case you'll carry it on, examine with TSA first and convey a replica of the guidelines with you so as that there is actual not a situation. And ask for a manager if there's a situation. Do you've adequate frozen storage at your vacation spot?