Using frozen breastmilk

sugarland726 · April 2014

Hi, I haven't really frequented this board specifically. I've been nursing, pumping, and stockpiling quite a bit of milk. I'd like to start rotating it out from my deep freezer. Per Kellymom I have 24 hours to use it after it's fully thawed. She doesn't really get into why 24 hours. Does it go bad, like sour? Are the antibodies breaking down? Can anyone provide any insight about that 24 hour mark? Thanks very much!

blue_elle · April 2014

Once frozen, breast milk losses some of its antibacterial properties, so once thawed the milk needs to be used quickly to prevent spoilage. Obviously there's not something that happens right at the 24 hour mark, but it's a good role of thumb.

vvvvvfee · April 2014

blue_elle said:

Once frozen, breast milk losses some of its antibacterial properties, so once thawed the milk needs to be used quickly to prevent spoilage. Obviously there's not something that happens right at the 24 hour mark, but it's a good role of thumb.

this.

also, you'll be able to tell if it goes bad-- it will smell sour.

sugarland726 · April 2014

Thank you! I'll smell it to make sure it hasn't gone bad.

jcwinsto · April 2014

Yup, good Rule of Thumb. But it is only a Rule of Thumb. I've personally pushed it to 36ish hours without problems a couple times. It will smell bad. And I've also heard other moms say that even if it is just starting to turn and you can't smell it that the baby will refuse it.

DahliaFlower · April 2014

Agree with all PP's. Honestly, even if it doesn't smell bad, LO seems to notice if it is off and he will reject it. In addition to the 24 hour rule, it really must be used within about an hour of being warmed up. So, we generally thaw, remove and use right away. It won't stay good on the counter.

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