Rules on pumping/refrigerating/freezing BM

akaoct2005

I'm on DC #3, but this is the first time I am pumping to get a freezer stash!  I've seen some general rules online, but I wanted to know if I can freeze milk after it's been refrigerated for a few days?  If I can, does that change how long I can keep it in the freezer?  Also, once baby has had some milk from a refrigerated bottle, do I have to toss it or can I save it (not really a big deal, just curious)?

Thanks! 

candr09

Yes you can freeze milk after its been refridgerated. Doesn't change anything as far as time in the freezer. I believe you can rerefridgerate a bottle after its been drank from, but I'm not positive. Ask over on the breast feeding board. Those ladies are an excellent resource!

SPK926

This should help you. I have it printed and posted on my fridge!

 https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/milkstorage/milkstorage/

pitterpatter129

I always reoffered bottles a few times unless baby was sick.  Put them back in fridge between offerings though. Yes, you can freeze milk from fridge, but it's probably better to choose to freeze it from the beginning rather than leave it in there a few days and then freeze.  I liked this chart because it was smaller.

dande2129

The only rule for the fridge is that it can't be in there for more than 3 days without being used.

 

tinakurzhals

Thanks for all the info

MrsBigTime

dande2129:

The only rule for the fridge is that it can't be in there for more than 3 days without being used.

 

My LC said 4 days. Also, 4 hours at room temp and 4 months in the freezer. 

jelly0822

All the PPs had good advice, and I was going to refer you to Kelly Mom. I was told to remember the rule of 5's (5 hours out, 5 days in the fridge, and 5 months in the freezer), but things change and sometimes it's good for longer and sometimes not. But yes, you can freeze refrigerated milk.

buffyverrban1

I would do 4-5 days in the fridge before I froze it (I couldn't pump as much as I would feed so I just kept adding it to one bottle until I got enough to freeze.) And I usually waited until I had 2-3 bottles to switch over into bags at once. 

3-6 months in your regular freezer, 6-12 months in a deep freezer (because it gets opened less often.)

I would re-offer a bottle if she wanted one again within a couple hours, but not to put it back for a couple days. (Like you would if you were to put a regular cup of milk in the fridge) ,m