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Joined: Jun 2006
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How long can breastmilk be frozen? I have a huge supply in my freezer and I was wondering how long I can use it.
Thanks,
Katie
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,347
extra helpful experienced member
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If it's stored in the deep freeze it's good for up to a year. After that you can pasteurize and you're back to day 1.
Best,
Lenore Goldfarb, Ph.D.,CCC,IBCLC
Wife to Rob, Mom to Adam aged 13, and Ethan aged 9, both born via GS and breastfed via Regular Newman-Goldfarb Protocol.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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extra helpful experienced member
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extra helpful experienced member
Joined: Sep 2002
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If it's stored in the deep freeze it's good for up to a year. After that you can pasteurize and you're back to day 1.
Best, Really? I still have a bunch in my freezer. It's about 2 years old. I have thrown out a bunch, but haven't gotten around to throwing out the last box. If I can pasturize it and it's good, maybe I will keep it, for my next baby.
wife to Jim, mommy to Daphne and Jeran and Jalen
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Sorry if this is dumb but what do you mean by deep freeze? It is in my kitchen freezer, how long will it keep in there? It is completely frozen...
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Joined: Apr 2003
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beener a deep freeze is a chest freezer. The freezer attached to your fridge is an upright freezer. I believe it is good for 6 months in there.
Laurie~Craig's wife~Mom to 4 blessings nurtured at the breast CJ(24)Travis(21)Beka~adopted(9)Rab(6)
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Joined: Sep 2002
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Hi Beener,
Lalle's right. But remember....NEVER discare breastmilk. You can pasteurize it or scald and chill before serving and you're back to day 1 but you will lose a few immune factors which in the long run is a small price to pay.
Best,
Lenore Goldfarb, Ph.D.,CCC,IBCLC
Wife to Rob, Mom to Adam aged 13, and Ethan aged 9, both born via GS and breastfed via Regular Newman-Goldfarb Protocol.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Joined: Oct 2006
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So... if milk has been stored for, say, 1 year in a regular freezer, it could then be pasteurized and used? I've been dumping my few ounces (probably 3 total) that I've pumped so far, because I'm planning to be in Guatemala with my adopted baby for several months (and don't see how I could practically travel with the milk). But if I could use it when I got back, I'd like to. Also, suggestions for saving tiny amounts of milk? Can I keep a container in the freezer, and add small amounts to it as I go? And how does one pasteurize? I do hate pouring it down the drain, even when it's just a small bit -- after all, I've worked so hard for it!
thanks, Esme
up to 40ccs on day 7 pumping
BCPs/dom x 4 months, now on dom 90mg/day
no other supps cause I haven't gotten around to it yet
i love my limerick!
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And another question -- how long can milk be stored at room temperature, or in the fridge, before using, or before freezing?
thx!
esme
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,347
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Check out these guidelines: http://www.breastfeeding.com/workingmom/storage.htmlAnd if you reach the limit, just pasteurize. There is not much difference to defrosting an uncooked frozen steak, cooking it, then freezing it for future use. Once heated to the appropriate temperature, you're back to day 1. Best, Lenore
Lenore Goldfarb, Ph.D.,CCC,IBCLC
Wife to Rob, Mom to Adam aged 13, and Ethan aged 9, both born via GS and breastfed via Regular Newman-Goldfarb Protocol.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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It's so great that we have Lenore to keep us on track! I was delighted to read the link and have it all there in black and white. The hospital where my surro baby will be born are proving to be rather anti-surrogacy and the idea that I'm going to breastfeed seems to be freaking them out. I've been worried that if I have to use the Lactaid device with donated milk, they'll be awkward about it. Now however, I know my facts about storing and defrosting the milk so I will be confident to ward off their questions! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Baby Palmer is coming to us via surrogacy in July!
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