To freeze colostrum milk, you should place the small container or capped syringe holding the expressed colostrum into a snap-lock bag before putting it into the freezer.
Freezing Freshly Expressed Colostrum
Freezing colostrum properly helps preserve its valuable nutrients and antibodies for later use. Here's a simple process:
- Use Appropriate Containers: Store colostrum in small, sterile containers or capped syringes. This allows for easy thawing of small amounts, reducing waste.
- Bag It First: Based on guidance, place the small container or capped syringe into a snap-lock bag before placing it in the freezer. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn and spills.
- Move to Freezer: Transfer the bagged colostrum container or syringe into the freezer promptly.
Freezing Refrigerated Colostrum
If you have refrigerated colostrum that needs to be frozen:
- It's important to freeze the refrigerated colostrum within 24 hours of expressing.
- Follow the same bagging process: place the small container or capped syringe into a snap-lock bag before putting into the freezer.
Storage Duration
Once frozen, colostrum can be stored for different lengths of time depending on the type of freezer used:
| Freezer Type | Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Standard Freezer | Three months |
| Chest Freezer | 6 to 12 months |
Always label containers with the date of expression to ensure you use the oldest milk first.
Freezing colostrum is a great way to build a stash for when you need it, ensuring your baby can benefit from this precious milk even when you are not immediately available.
