Breast milk is the best thing a little baby can eat. If mom is nearby, breast milk is also available. But a seamless supply is not always possible. To satisfy hunger anyway, a few portions can be frozen.

Frozen breast milk has a shelf life of six months

Why freeze at all?

Only a mother can breastfeed her baby. On the other hand, anyone can prepare a bottle of breast milk that has previously been frozen to satisfy the baby's hunger. The mother does not have to be present at this feeding.

  • she can return to work
  • can take a few hours off
  • can sleep through the night while dad takes care of the child

The baby does not necessarily have to be weaned when the mother is away for a longer period of time and will therefore continue to receive its ideal food for a long time.

Health benefits remain

Mother's milk is always at the right temperature. The question quickly arises as to whether breast milk loses quality in the ice-cold freezer. A warning can be given here. Everything that makes breast milk so healthy for the baby is largely preserved even after it has been frozen.

Thawed breast milk still outperforms the alternative infant formulas sold in stores in this regard.

tips

If the expressed breast milk is used up quickly, the refrigerator is a better place to store it than the freezer. Here the milk remains even more unchanged.

Hygiene is a must

Breast milk should always be pumped under very hygienic conditions. This is the only way to keep the germ load low and the milk perfect for longer. The manufacturers of the so-called breast milk pumps give clear instructions that should be observed.

portioning and labeling

The expressed breast milk is frozen in portions. Always only as much as is needed for one meal. Portions of around 50 grams have proven to be optimal. If necessary, several portions can be mixed together at any time.

Label all freezer containers with the date so that you always have an overview. It also makes sense to use the milk in the order in which it was frozen.

Suitable containers

It is quite convenient to freeze expressed breast milk in bottles that are fed to the baby. Pay attention to the following:

  • the bottles must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized
  • they must be suitable for the freezer
  • Always fill only two-thirds full, as milk expands

However, it is also possible to use other clean freezer containers.

What else to consider

Breast milk is sensitive frozen food, where everything should run optimally.

  • Freeze breast milk immediately after pumping
  • store in the back of the freezer
  • there the temperature remains constant
  • Containers should not touch the freezer walls
  • Do not refreeze thawed breast milk

durability

Frozen breast milk has a shelf life of 6 months. Thawed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours. On the other hand, it should be used up within two hours in the room air.

thawing breast milk

Breast milk can be thawed well within 12 hours in the refrigerator. If it has to be faster, the container can also be held under running water. However, it must not be hotter than 37 degrees Celsius.

Caution: Breast milk should never be thawed at room temperature. Microwave and hot water are also not suitable.

Shake thawed milk vigorously before use so that the fat that has settled out is evenly distributed again.

  • Conclusion for fast readers
  • Suitability: breast milk can be frozen; maintains its healthy effect; is better than processed food
  • Advantages: The mother can take time off or return to work
  • Pros: Anyone can feed the baby; it does not necessarily have to be weaned
  • Tip: Pumped milk that will be used soon is better kept in the fridge
  • Hygiene: Pumping should always be done under hygienic conditions
  • Portioning: Freeze breast milk in small, needs-based portions of about 50 ml
  • Label: Label container with date and use in order of freezing
  • Suitable containers: Basically any clean container; Bottles are more practical, though
  • Cleanliness: Thoroughly clean and sterilize the bottles beforehand; also pay attention to frost tolerance
  • Freeze: Immediately after pumping; store in the back of the freezer; not on the wall
  • Shelf life: Breast milk has a shelf life of 6 months
  • Slow Thawing: In the refrigerator within 12 hours
  • Rapid thawing: under running water with max. body temperature
  • Caution: Do not thaw at room temperature, under heat or in the microwave
  • Consume: Thawed breast milk stays fresh for 24 hours in the refrigerator, two hours at room temperature; shake before use

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Care tips