Stored breast milk...

[BabyUrq]

My baby is just over 6 months old and for the first 4 months i was pumping off every day so now i have an abundance of breast milk in my freezer....im wondering how to tell when it goes bad?? I know it will last 6 months in the freezer. I know that some of it is reaching the 6 month mark and im just starting to use it so im not using that much at a time yet...

 

[fatandlumpy]

I (personally) am cycling my milk stash so none of it is more than 4 month old. I'm due back at work next week so I'll be pumping at work as well as BFing when I get home.

I think 3 months is recommended, but 6 months is possible. But make sure your freezer is working properly by checking the temp (should be near to -20degrees C).

 

[Ninagrrl]

From what I read it is 3 - 4 months in a refrigerator freezer and 12 months in a deep freezer as far as recommendation. I also read that it will smell and taste bad. It goes bad in a similar fashion that cows milk does, you just know by smelling it that it is sour. Don't go by separation because that is normal and happens once chilled even for a couple hours.

 

[Noo]

Id have used the older stuff by now unless using it in food as it will have been made specifically nutritionally for your newborn not 6 month old.

 

[BabyUrq]

Thank you...we need to get to the point where he's eating more and a bit more often so that i can use more of it to a time and faster...he will drink some from a sippy cup but not much...at least he doesn't turn his nose up at it!