Pumped Breastmilk Storage

Another thing to mention is that once breastmilk is frozen, it changes the taste of it completely. i discovered this once day when i was defrosting some breastmilk that looked a little strange because it was separating. (Later learned this is normal.) So I tasted it, because it wasn't even a month frozen and I couldn't believe it had turned. I had tasted fresh breastmilk on my finger before and was awed at how sweet it was. Well, after being frozen something happens to the enzymes and it tastes nasty! It's not sour or spoiled but it just has a strange unpleasant aftertaste. It was bad enough that it prompted me to call the Dr and ask a bunch of questions... they said it is ok and the more fat present in the milk, the more it would have this strange taste but it was safe for baby, and baby did not seem to mind at all. If you've ever had half&half that has been partially frozen by accident, it has a similar flavor as what I'm trying to describe. I wanted to share this information because it made me think twice about how much the milk changes when it is frozen. If I ever do it all again, I will definitely do more refrigeration and keep frozen for back up only. Good luck!

I read everything I could on that subject, and saw answers ranging from 2-8 days. I think the CDC recommends 5 day limit. Breast milk is naturally anti-microbial, so I think 5 days is even a safe and conservative estimate. However, I always tried to use mine within three days because the fridge gets opened so much.

The literature the hospital gave us when my kids were born said 4:

4 hours at room temp
4 days in the fridge
4 months in a regular freezer

You really should be able to tell by smelling it. It will smell sour, just like cow's milk.

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html

I used mine within 5 days whenever possible.

2-8 days, but check your own milk in your own fridge to find out how long you can keep it. Mine goes bad after 3-4 days. Smell or taste it to check. I can tell by the smell of mine.

You can keep it up to 8 days in the fridge, according to La Leche League.

This link will answer your every breast milk storage question...even ones I never even thought to ask!
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/while-work...

I was overly careful. The breast milk went into the fridge immediately. I only left it there for 24 hours and then dumped it, if I didn't use it. If I knew I was going to freeze it, it went from breast to freezer, immediately...and never left it there longer than 3 months.