You will definitely want to freeze some of your milk away for future use. Always freeze in bags, not bottles. If you freeze in a bottle there is a much higher likelihood that the milk will get freezer burned. Milk frozen in bags can be stored for 6-12 months in a good freezer.
You can store fresh milk for 5 hours at room temperature OR 5 days in the refrigerator OR 6 months in the freezer (12 months if you have a deep-freeze). Keep in mind that everyone’s milk spoils at a different time. For me, I could only keep it in the refrigerator for 4 days, but I could use milk from the freezer that was over 12 months old without a problem. Do not re-freeze thawed milk!
So how do you know if the milk is spoiled?
Your nose is your best tool- a funny smell is a sure sign. Also, if baby refuses to eat may also be an indicator should your sniffer fail you!
Have questions about breastfeeding or have tips of your own? Let us know!
As I’ve mentioned before, your storing tips are right on. My husband has seen my our baby refuse my milk stored in the refrigerator longer than 3 days. Oops, I’ve been storing frozen milk in the bottles. We will use them up right away then. Thanks for all your fabulous tips. Your knowledge shared is much appreciated.
I somehow managed to get through eight months of nursing (where did the time go???) without having to freeze milk. Well, I didn’t get out much without her. lol But when my husband and I were able to, or I went with a friend somewhere, I would pump milk and leave it in a bottle in the refrigerator for her. Only had to do that a couple times. Once or twice she did end up being fed formula, but she didn’t like it, and it made her smell BAD. lol Thanks for the tips!