How to Freeze Breast Milk: A Practical Guide for Pumping Moms

Freezing breast milk can be a total game-changer, giving you the flexibility to build a stash for work, future feedings, or just for those days when you need a little extra convenience. But let’s be honest, doing it safely is key to keeping liquid gold fresh and nutritious for our little ones.

From picking the right containers to labeling, organizing, and thawing each portion, setting up a simple routine can make pumping and daily prep way easier. This guide will help you get the most out of your stored milk and reduce waste.

Quick Guide to Freezing Breast Milk

• Wash your hands before handling the milk.

• Use a clean, breast milk-safe bag or container.

• Freeze milk in practical portions.

• Leave space at the top for the milk to expand.

• Seal the bag or container tightly.

• Label it with the date expressed and amount.

• Place it at the back of the freezer, not in the door.

• Freeze bags flat to save space when appropriate.

• Organize frozen bags by date.

• Use the oldest milk first.

• Thaw only the amount your baby needs.

• Thaw in the refrigerator, warm water, or bottle warmer. Do not use a microwave.

Before You Freeze Breast Milk

Freezing breast milk can be easy once you get into a simple routine. Before you put your freshly expressed milk in the freezer, take a few minutes to prepare it properly.

1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands well with soap and water before handling expressed milk

2. Use a clean, food-safe container: Use breast milk storage bags or freezer-safe containers designed for storing expressed milk. Special breast milk bags are pre-sterilized, extra durable, and built with leak-proof seals to protect your milk from spilling or cracking in the freezer.

3. Transfer milk before freezing: If you've just finished pumping a fresh batch of breast milk and want to freeze it, pour it directly into your chosen storage bag or bottle, then place the bag or bottle in the freezer.

4. Leave room for expansion: Leave some space at the top of the bag or container because breast milk expands when frozen. This prevents the bag or container from cracking, popping open, or leaking as the milk turns solid.

Types of Breast Milk Containers For Storage & Freezing

When freezing breast milk, you can use special milk storage bags and containers. Pick the option that best fits your daily pumping routine and freezer space.

Breast Milk Storage Bags

For parents building a freezer stash, breast milk storage bags can be a convenient choice. Their flat design can help you make better use of freezer space, while writable labels make it easier to keep track of dates and portions.

Looking for breast milk storage bags? Here are some options to consider:

Breast Milk Storage Containers

If you prefer reusable options for your everyday pumping routine, consider containers that are designed to safely hold and store expressed breast milk. Depending on the design, some can also make it easier to move from pumping to storage and feeding.

Explore milk storage containers at Baby Company:

Read more: Breast Milk Storage Guide: Shelf Life, Storage Tips, and Safe Handling

How Much Breast Milk Should You Freeze in Each Container?

When you're building a freezer stash, it can be tempting to freeze as much milk as possible in each bag or container. But smaller portions can make things much easier when it's time to feed your baby.

Store breast milk in small portions of 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 mL). This is close to what many babies drink in one feeding.

Smaller portions can help you:

• Reduce milk waste

• Thaw milk faster

• Warm only the amount your baby needs

• Easily prepare an extra portion if your baby is still hungry

Choose a portion size based on how much your baby usually drinks at each feeding. You can always thaw another portion later if needed.

How to Label Frozen Breast Milk

Once you've finished pumping and are ready to freeze your milk, don't forget to label it. It may feel like one more thing to do, but clear labels can save you a lot of guesswork later.

At minimum, write the date expressed and amount of milk on each bag or container. You can also add the time of day, your baby's name, or daycare notes if needed.

Clear labels make it easier to keep track of your stash, choose the oldest milk first, and quickly find the right amount when you're preparing a bottle.

Quick stash tip:

Use a simple first-in, first-out (FIFO) system. Keep older milk at the front and place newer bags behind it. Numbering your bags or adding a quick time note can also make it easier to find the right portion when you're tired or rushing to prepare a bottle.

How Long Can Frozen Breast Milk Be Stored?

It's natural to wonder how long your carefully pumped milk will last in the freezer. How long breast milk can be stored depends partly on the freezer temperature and type.

In the Philippines, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) says that freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in a freezer at -18°C or colder for about 6 months for optimal quality, and up to 12 months when properly stored.

For better storage:

• Keep breast milk toward the back of the freezer, where temperatures are more stable.

• Avoid storing it in the freezer door, where temperatures can fluctuate more often.

• Label each bag or container with the date expressed.

• Use the oldest milk first and place newer milk behind older portions.

A simple labeling and storage routine can make your freezer stash much easier to manage and help you use your stored milk before it goes bad.

How to Thaw Frozen Breast Milk

When you're ready to use your frozen breast milk, thaw it gently and safely. The best method depends on how much time you have.

• If you have time: Place the frozen breast milk in the refrigerator the night before you need it and let it thaw slowly.

• If you need it sooner: Place the sealed bag or container in warm water or hold it under warm running water until the milk is fully thawed. Avoid using very hot water.

Once thawed, the milk may look separated. Don't worry if you notice different layers. Gently swirl the container to mix the milk rather than shaking it vigorously.

Breast milk does not have to be heated before feeding. Your baby may be comfortable drinking it cold or at room temperature. If your baby prefers warm milk, gently warm it using warm water. A milk and bottle warmer can also be a convenient option for parents who regularly warm expressed breast milk.

Looking for a convenient way to warm milk? Explore these milk and bottle warmers from Baby Company:

According to the NNC, thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator and should not be refrozen.

What Not to Do When Thawing Breast Milk

Avoid these methods when thawing frozen breast milk:

• Do not microwave it. Microwaves can create hot spots that may burn your baby.

• Do not use a stove or boiling water. High heat can damage the milk and create uneven temperatures.

• Do not refreeze breast milk that has been completely thawed.

• Do not rely on appearance or smell alone to determine whether milk is safe to use. Follow recommended storage and handling times instead.

The NNC also advises against microwaving or using hot water when thawing breast milk.

More milk and bottle warmers are available at Baby Company stores nationwide.

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How to Avoid Wasting Frozen Breast Milk

You don't need to fill your freezer with breast milk to have a useful stash. What works best will depend on your baby's needs, your pumping routine, and how often you use frozen milk.

A few simple habits can help you make the most of the milk you've worked hard to pump:

• Freeze in Smaller Portions

Freeze milk in smaller portions so you can thaw only what your baby needs. If your baby is still hungry, you can prepare another portion instead of thawing more milk than necessary.

• Thaw Only What Your Baby Is Likely to Drink

Check how much your baby usually drinks before taking milk out of the freezer. It can be better to thaw a small amount first and prepare more if needed rather than thawing too much and wasting the extra.

• Keep Track of Your Stash

You don't need a detailed system to keep track of your freezer stash. A simple note on your phone can help you keep track of the number of bags, dates, amounts, and which milk to use first. This makes it easier to stay organized and avoid forgetting older milk.

• Use Older Milk First

Always check the date on each bag before taking milk from the freezer. Use the oldest suitable milk first, then move on to newer portions. Keeping older milk at the front and newer milk behind it can make this routine easier to follow.

• Don't Build a Stash Just for the Sake of Having One

Your ideal freezer stash will depend on your baby's needs, your work schedule, how often you pump, and how often you use frozen milk. You also need to consider how much freezer space you have at home.

A smaller stash that you can easily track and use may be more practical than one that takes up too much space or becomes difficult to manage.

• Label Each Bag or Container Clearly

Make labeling part of your pumping routine. As soon as you freeze each bag or container, write the date expressed and amount of milk so you know when it was stored and how much it contains.

It only takes a few seconds and makes it much easier to organize your stash and use the oldest milk first.

Looking for breastfeeding and feeding essentials? Browse online at Baby Company for breast milk storage bags and containers, breast pumps, feeding supplies, and other baby essentials to support you through every stage of your breastfeeding journey. Visit a Baby Company branch near you for more mom and baby essentials.