Frozen milk...what to do with it?

skirby

I've been pumping and freezing more than Addie is able to eat. Now our freezer is starting to fill up. Everything I've read says to only freeze milk for three months...I have some that's two months old, and feel like I need to get rid of it to make room for more.

Did you just throw out your milk as it started to get to the three month mark? I wish I new someone who could use it, since it feels like such a waste.

How much did you keep in the freezer? Did you end up using it? 

kittylove

I put mine in the very back of the freezer and turned the temp way down, at more stable temps it lasts longer, like 6 months. If you don't want it to go to waist you could use it and freeze the fresher stuff. Or even donate it to a local mom in need. I have donated to others through Milk Share (yahoo group), and there are always tons of people needing donations.

skirby

Thanks! Since I am producing more than we need, I really wanted to donate. I just looked at Milk Share. I'm obviously storing things safely, watching my alcohol intake, etc...my husband brought up the point that others don't know I'm being responsible with the milk storage and pumping. I guess there is just a level of trust involved? 

Thanks again! 

skirby

How much do you think I should I keep for us in the fridge, in case of emergency? 

jsugrin

skirby:

Thanks! Since I am producing more than we need, I really wanted to donate. I just looked at Milk Share. I'm obviously storing things safely, watching my alcohol intake, etc...my husband brought up the point that others don't know I'm being responsible with the milk storage and pumping. I guess there is just a level of trust involved? 

Thanks again! 

Definitely, but people using something like Milkshare are going into the process with an open mind.  Also when you are in a position that you don't make enough milk you are grateful that someone is able and willing to give you something so precious.  Voice of experience here from the not enough milk making side.

Personally I would keep a good 100oz in the freezer, it's really not that much once they start eating a bit more.  A. gave you good advice about using the back end of the freezer stash as you put more in.  I'd also make sure you have a good storage system to minimize wasted space too.

kittylove

skirby:

I guess there is just a level of trust involved? 

Thanks again! 

Yep. It is all about trust. I didn't drink when he was little but did take a med that not everyone was okay with. Just be clear about what might be in there. Some people are okay with a beer and pumping 4hours later and others aren't.

As for how much to save, no idea. Best guess is a weeks worth.

ashleyhuney

Honestly I'd wait on donating because your LO is so young. I had a huge over supply in the beginning too and also looked into donating. I ended up not, just rotated through the stash, and I am so glad. As I continued to work full time and pump my supply dwindled until it took 2 pumping sessions to make one bottle. I fought hard to increase supply but in the end we depleted the freezer stash and I wasn't able to make it to a year without supplementing. Toward the end I'd pump every few years but would maybe get one bottle, however since I had the freezer stash we were able to start giving him a little WCM starting at 11 months and didn't have to do formula. I ended up nursing morning and night for another 1.5 years but my body basically refused to be pumped. Just wanted to share my experience with you, hopefully you will be able to pump successfully as long as you want! Oh, and I believe kellymom says you can freeze for up to a year, I kept my milk in a box in the freezer to maintain the temp. GL!

StefandTodd

That's great that you've been able to build a stash!  I've been wondering the same thing since I started pumping and storing just a little bit every day for about a month.  My tentative plan for now is to rotate in at least one freezer bottle every week starting right away so that he's getting mostly all "fresh" but also one bottle of frozen, and I'm using up the "old" stuff and freezing "new" stuff once a week too.  I might have to do the math to make sure that we'll use it all before it actually goes bad, but I've also heard 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, and 6 months all in different contexts (and now a year according to KM?)...so I'm not too worried about it expiring if I start rotating it in once a week starting in January.  Maybe you could start rotating in your older stash and freezing the newer stuff with plans to donate if you're able to, but the comfort of knowing it's there if you have any later issues with your supply.  Good luck! 

skirby

Thanks for all your great suggestions and advice, ladies!