How long can breast milk be frozen for?

[hotmama]

I have some breast milk that was expressed and frozen in November. Is it still O.K. to use?

Not sure if it can be kept for 3 or 6 months feel loathe to chuck it as no longer breastfeeding - but obviously don't want to make dd ill!

[Lonelymum]

I have a feeling it used to be 6 months but current recommendation is now less than that. Someone else will know for sure.

[Cristina7]

I've read of both 3 and 6 months, I think I'd go with 3 months. Perhaps you could use a small amount and see if it seems OK before deciding whether to use the other or not. Good luck. I know how time-consuming it is expressing the milk, it seems a shame to waste it.

[hotmama]

How do you know if it is O.K? Don't want to run the risk of DD being ill and then realising that I should have chucked it.

Seems such a waste to have to throw it away.

[HUNKERMUNKER]

Mears had a great link - I'm sure it's 6 months. Don't chuck it just yet! I'll try to find the link.

[HUNKERMUNKER]

Can't find Mears' link - but did find this

[mears]

6 months is OK. Do not throw out that liquid gold. I will look for link too.

[HUNKERMUNKER]

Did find a reference to you calling it liquid gold before, Mears TOTALLY agree! If I get home from work and DS has left an ounce I take it very personally

[mears]

link

The link above says 12 months depending on freezer.

[hotmama]

Thanks very much for your advice. I thought it was 6 months but just wasn't sure. I'll start defrosting.

[Magscat]

Don't know if anyone still watching this. Advice I received was definately 3 months when I had my son nearly 4 years ago. New baby now & HV recently told me current advice is now 6 months. She says there has been extensive new research and is confident 6 months is ok. Hope this helps.