thawed frozen BM--How long can it be refrigerated?

[lkmiscnet]

I froze a supply of BM in 11-12 oz increments, thinking that by the time I weaned and my 8 mo old got to those sizes, he would be drinking the whole bag. Well, I've had to postpone weaning, but my frozen stash needs to be used before it gets too old. I'm already at the 6 mo mark from when I started freezing.

Since I'm still BFing, I tried to use one of the bags to mix with his solids, but there is more milk than I can use in 24 hours and I read that thawed frozen milk should be used within 24 hours. Has anyone read where you can use it for up to 48 hours instead or even up to 3 days?

I have tried to use the thawed BM for big batches of homemade baby food as well, but my freezer is now well stocked with frozen pureed fruits and veggies and I won't be making anymore for awhile, so that doesn't solve my immediate issue.

[CheriK]

Your milk can stay frozen for at least a year (see the LLL guidelines, which were updated recently based on current research: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/milkstorage.html).

The biggest concern w/ storing the milk in the fridge for longer time is loss of nutrients and living cells. If your son is mostly breastfed and getting a small amount of this pumped milk, it's probably not a big deal. As far as bacterial growth and safety, most of the research shows that the living cells in milk do a really good job of protecting against bacterial growth. But it's like any other food - smell it and taste it, if it tastes okay, it's probably okay to feed.

You might also consider donating it to a breast milk bank (http://www.hmbana.org/). Or offering it to other members of your family, either as is or mixed with other foods (smoothies are great).

[EmilyG]

I've even used breastmilk frozen for longer than a year, it smelled and tasted fine, DD drank it no problem.
I'd start freezing in smaller quantities if you haven't already, not more than 6 ounces in a bag. I usually don't freeze over 4 ounces at once. DD#1 never took more than 4 ounces in a sitting, and #2 seems to be the same only 3-4 ounces at a time. I don't know if breastfed babies ever take the larger amounts formula fed babies do, and you don't want any to go to waste!

[guestmama9971]

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[cristeen]

If you're just looking to have it not go to waste, check out milkshare.com and see if you can find someone local who can use it.

[PatioGardener]

I'm in the "taste it to see if it's ok" camp.

[boobs4milk]

Originally Posted by PatioGardener

I'm in the "taste it to see if it's ok" camp.

me, too. i've gone up to 72 hrs after placing the frozen bags in fridge (in another container) to thaw and it smells and tastes fine.

i also add it to my other dd's milk...give her a boost!!!