How to Freeze Breast Milk in Freezer Bags?
Freezing breast milk in freezer bags involves careful preparation and technique to preserve its nutritional value and safety for your baby; in short, pump or express milk, cool it, transfer it to specifically designed freezer bags, label them correctly, and store them flat in your freezer.
Why Freeze Breast Milk?
Freezing breast milk is a fantastic option for many breastfeeding mothers. It allows you to:
- Create a backup supply: Having frozen milk ensures your baby can still benefit from breast milk even when you’re away, unwell, or simply need a break.
- Manage oversupply: If you produce more milk than your baby needs, freezing helps prevent engorgement and discomfort.
- Extend breastfeeding duration: Freezing breast milk allows you to continue providing its benefits even after returning to work or when breastfeeding becomes less frequent.
- Provide milk to preemies or sick babies: Mothers of premature or sick infants may need to build a supply for hospital use.
Choosing the Right Freezer Bags
Using appropriate freezer bags is crucial. Not all bags are created equal. Look for bags specifically designed for breast milk storage. These are typically made of:
- Food-grade, BPA-free plastic: Ensuring the milk is safe and free from harmful chemicals.
- Thick, durable material: Minimizing the risk of leaks or freezer burn.
- Pre-sterilized: Reducing the risk of contamination.
- Clearly marked measurement lines: Allowing for accurate portioning.
- Designated labeling area: For writing dates and volume.
Some popular brands include Lansinoh, Medela, and NUK. Read reviews and compare features to find the best option for your needs.
The Step-by-Step Freezing Process
Follow these steps to safely and effectively freeze your breast milk in bags:
- Pump or Express Milk: Use a clean breast pump or hand express into a sterile container.
- Cool the Milk: Refrigerate the freshly expressed milk for at least one hour before freezing. This helps prevent crystal formation and preserves the quality.
- Prepare the Bag: Write the date and the amount of milk on the designated labeling area of the freezer bag before filling it. Using a permanent marker is recommended.
- Pour the Milk: Carefully pour the cooled milk into the freezer bag, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion as the milk freezes. Overfilling can cause the bag to burst.
- Remove Excess Air: Gently press out any excess air from the bag before sealing it tightly.
- Seal the Bag Securely: Ensure the bag is completely sealed to prevent leaks and freezer burn. Some bags have a double zipper for extra security.
- Freeze Flat: Lay the filled bags flat in the freezer. This allows them to freeze more quickly and takes up less space. Once frozen solid, you can stack them upright like books.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is vital for maintaining the quality and safety of frozen breast milk. Consider these guidelines:
| Storage Location | Recommended Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature (60-77°F or 16-25°C) | Up to 4 hours (ideally less) |
| Refrigerator (40°F or 4°C or lower) | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer Compartment Inside Refrigerator (Variable Temperature) | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer (0°F or -18°C or lower) | 6-12 months (best used within 6 months to maximize quality) |
- Clearly label each bag with the date of expression.
- Use the oldest milk first.
- Store milk in small quantities (2-4 ounces) to avoid wasting thawed milk.
- Keep the freezer at a consistent temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the bags: This leads to bursting as the milk expands.
- Not labeling the bags correctly: Difficulty tracking the expiration date.
- Storing milk in the refrigerator door: Temperature fluctuations can compromise quality.
- Freezing warm milk directly: Can negatively impact the quality of the milk.
- Using regular plastic bags: Can leach harmful chemicals and are not durable enough.
Thawing Breast Milk
Thawing breast milk properly is just as important as freezing it correctly.
- Refrigerator: The safest method is to thaw milk in the refrigerator overnight.
- Warm Water Bath: Place the sealed bag in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 10-20 minutes. Change the water frequently.
- Do not use a microwave to thaw breast milk. Microwaving can create hot spots that can burn your baby and destroy valuable nutrients.
- Once thawed, use the milk within 24 hours.
- Thawed milk should never be refrozen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Breast Milk
Can I freeze breast milk that has been previously refrigerated?
Yes, you can freeze breast milk that has been refrigerated for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool the freshly expressed milk before combining it with the refrigerated milk. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and quality.
How much breast milk should I store in each bag?
Store breast milk in small portions, ideally between 2 and 4 ounces (60-120 ml) per bag. This reduces waste because you only thaw what your baby will consume in one feeding.
What if my baby doesn’t finish a bottle of thawed breast milk?
If your baby doesn’t finish a bottle of thawed breast milk, it is generally recommended to discard the remaining milk after one to two hours due to bacterial contamination risk.
Does freezing affect the nutritional value of breast milk?
Freezing does cause a slight decrease in some nutrients, particularly vitamin C. However, the overall nutritional benefits of breast milk, including antibodies and other immune factors, are largely preserved.
Why does my frozen breast milk sometimes have a different smell or taste?
Some mothers experience a change in the smell or taste of their frozen breast milk due to lipase activity. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats. This is generally safe for the baby, but if your baby refuses the milk, you can scald the milk before freezing to deactivate the lipase.
How do I scald breast milk to prevent lipase issues?
To scald breast milk, heat it in a saucepan until small bubbles form around the edges, but do not boil it. Quickly cool the milk and then freeze it. This deactivates the lipase enzyme.
Can I combine freshly expressed breast milk with previously frozen breast milk?
It’s not recommended to directly mix warm, freshly expressed milk with previously frozen milk. Cool the freshly expressed milk in the refrigerator first. Only then can you combine it with the frozen milk, if desired, before refreezing.
How can I tell if frozen breast milk has gone bad?
Frozen breast milk can be considered spoiled if it has a sour or rancid smell after thawing. If you are unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
What temperature should my freezer be set at for storing breast milk?
Your freezer should be set at 0°F (-18°C) or lower for optimal breast milk storage. Use a freezer thermometer to ensure the temperature is consistent.
Is it okay to stack breast milk freezer bags on top of each other?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to stack breast milk freezer bags once they are completely frozen solid. Laying them flat initially helps with quicker freezing.
Can I travel with frozen breast milk?
Yes, you can travel with frozen breast milk. Keep the milk frozen solid using insulated bags and ice packs. Contact your airline for specific regulations and guidance. Proper packing is essential for maintaining its temperature.
What if my breast milk bag leaks while thawing?
If a breast milk bag leaks while thawing, you can still salvage some of the milk. Immediately transfer the remaining milk to a clean container and use it within the recommended time frame (within 1-2 hours of it fully thawing).