how long to freeze breast milk for

[btheb]

I am breastfeeding my daughter and wanted to freeze some milk. Everything i have read says you can store it for 6 months but i have also heard something about keeping it for less time so that baby gets the right things in it for the particular stage they are at (i assume milk content changes over time as baby grows). Does anyone know about this?

Hi,

You can freeze it safely for up to six months if your freezer is below -18C.

I think that that freezing destroys some of the substances that fight infection, though. The composition of your breastmilk corresponds to the developmental needs of your baby at the time you expressed it. So, it's not unsafe to freeze it under the right conditions, but you might lose a little goodness in the freezing process. It's still going to be great for your baby though.

Hope that helps,
Caroline

My HV told me 3 months as the milk adapts to baby's different developing needs. So 6 months will be fine, but more recent milk is better adapted for the stage your baby is at.