Hi,
I pumped fresh milk two days ago and put it in the fridge for the baby sitter. We didn't use it and it was never opened..... Can I freeze it today - today is the 2nd day. It went into the fridge right away after pumping.
Thanks so much for your help.
YEP! OK to freeze after 2 or even 3 days! GOOD FOR YOU FOR CONTINUING TO BREASTFEED!!!!! :)
Here is another site that might help you out, in addition to Kellymom
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/milkstorage.html
OR you cao go to Medela's site - http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/1...
COngratulations!!!
Of course. Never waste liquid gold!
I agree with Veronica, but if that is not the situation, I say yes. I did it all the time.
Basically, the longer it sits, it looses nutrient value. Since milk immediately frozen can be stored 6 months, my logic tells me you are safe to freeze your 2-day milk 4-5 months. However guidelines vary depending who you ask...I did see a website that says to freeze refrigerated milk w/in 8 days.
It is absolutely ok to do this!
Here's a link to a chart showing how long human milk can be stored in various situations:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html#storage
The cool thing about this is it's stackable. This means that you can have it out on the counter for 10 hours (room temp), put it in the fridge for another 8 days, and you'd still be fine keeping it in the freezer for 6 months to a year depending on your freezer type. I actually had a freezer that wasn't a separate deep freeze but I cranked it down all the way to the coldest setting and I was able to keep milk in there for 8+ months.
You don't have to toss it at these guidelines. These aren't hard rules. Mostly guidelines. Spoiled milk is really obvious. It's got a very disctinctive and offensive odor. If it fails the sniff test after you thaw it, toss it. If it passes, it's fine to use!
Most expert advice will be NOT to do it. However, I did it a lot with our son if we weren't going through the pumped milk quickly enough. We didn't have any problems. But, that's just an anecdotal opinion, by no means an expert opinion.
If in doubt, I'd dispose of it or try to get them to drink it soon.
Hi S.,
I wouldn't recommend freezing it, but I've heard it can stay in the fridge up to 7 days. Put it in the back of the fridge so it's not up in the front when you open and close the door.
L.
i wouldn't advise freezing breast milk after 48 hours. if you haven't used it in the first 24 hours then throw it out.
I think you are within the reasonable time. I did this and Tayla was always okay with the taste. I was told (by a nurse family friend) that if the milk is bad, the baby will not drink it. If you see that the milk is separating, then it probably isn't the best to keep.
Sear Shanty:
My advise would be to better use the breastmilk from 2 days ago right away and just freeze the fresh milk you could pump now for later. That way you would't worry so much,
If a can be a help do not hesitate to contact,
Sincerely,
V. Hinojosa-Stang
BabynurseandDoulaservices.com
I always thought breastmilk was good in the fridge for up to 5 days, so I don't really know what the harm would be in freezing it. I'm not an expert, but that would be my guess.
If you're not sure, you can always call a place like the Pump Station in Santa Monica or Milkalicious in Aliso Viejo. They can easily answer questions like that over the phone.
Yes, you are completely safe. I am very active in the lactation support group at my local hospital which is lead by a Lactation Consultant employed by the hospital. She said it can be in the refridgerator for three days and then must either be frozen or tossed. You are safe for up to one more day!
