BM storage question

blushingjune04

When it comes to BM storage, I've been going by the 5-5-5 rule:

5 hours at room temperature; 5 days in the fridge; 5 months in the separate freezer

 If I want to freeze BM, do I have to freeze it right after I pump or can it be in the fridge up to 5 days and then freeze it?

 

MaestraMama

I don't know what the "rule" is, but I always try to freeze the freshest milk possible.  I probably wouldn't freeze milk that I had in the fridge for a few days, but that's just me.

mieuxmieux

I would freeze it fresh.  I have thawed some of my milk that had been frozen after being refrigerated for a few days, and it definitely had more of a metallic taste.  The fresher milk seemed better.

shannm

I would freeze it after a day or two, max.  Also, really only 5 hours at RT?  I thought it was more like 12.

azuremama

You can leave it in the fridge for 5 days and freeze it.  I've done it with zero problems and read it in a number of places.  It may be better to freeze it before that, if you can, but sometimes I don't know if we'll use it in time or not.

molldoll71

It can be in the fridge for 5 days and then go in the freezer.  I kept all my milk during the work week in the fridge and then Friday nights whatever was left I would freeze.

cville-rn

I have always read that BM can last a week in the fridge, not 5 days.

I have frozen it after its been in the fridge for a few days and had no problems. The fresher the better though.