Thoughts on freezing breastmilk? ideas, concerns or input thanks :)

[ahlesha921]

Soo were on a very short budget and I want to breast feed to help with costs n not to mention its healthy for baby and me... My biggest concern is how to store the breast milk. I have an idea to use jelly jars my gram uses to freeze her strawberry jelly she makes... But I don't know if they would bust... I don't plan on filling them to the very tippie top. But I've looked on amazon and eBay for breast milk storage bags n they're a lot more then what I just paid for 4 similac bottles... Any inputs or has anyone used mason jars to freeze milk?

[deltagreen9913]

Just because its a pint doesnt mean it will be full. Not every mom wants a giant hoard of milk or even has the freezer capacity to do such a thing. With cost pints were what I found the best price on. I'm only freezing what I pump on weekends. Pints are perfectly fine for what I need

[GeekMom1213]

@Deltagreen - I think using pint jars may be a little much... once frozen milk is thawed it's only good for 24 hours in the fridge and then you have to throw it out. Thawing out 16oz at a time you're pretty likely to be throwing out way more milk than I'd be comfortable with even if you're exclusively pumping and bottle feeding. Just something to consider. I'd look for a smaller storage solution.

[klipscomb]

They make storage bags that are bpa free and easy to use because when you defrost them just put it in a coffee mug and run warm water over it. Never scold the milk or microwave.  And it lasts a ridiculous amount of time 6 months or more in freezer it really is liquid gold :) plus how would you defrost the milk in ice trays?

[holofay]

My best friend did the ice cube tray method... She produced way too much milk.

[deltagreen9913]

There are certain mason jars that are approved for freezing. Check out which ones on Ball's website. On the box themselves it says if they can be frozen. Of course leave space at the top for expansion. Again not all glass is created equal! I trust Ball. I like that they are reusable vs the bags which are expensive and tend to break and leak. Dethaw in the fridge or warm water bath.

I'm using pint wide neck for freezing and a quart for collection during the day and milk that is not being frozen but kept in the fridge.

As anything you do for baby, do your own research to make sure it's right for you.

[ahlesha921]

I already have a pump I purchased back in January... I've never heard of the ice cube trays but sounds like a good idea. N if I would do mason jars I wouldn't have to worry about room. We have a completely empty deep freezer not being used this season due to me being pregnant n bf gonna have back surgery we usually package deer meat n freeze it... So it'll be useful

[csections]

I was going to use ziplock bags i did a few times with my last child when i ran out of breast milk bags but recently was told the nutrients sticks to the sides of the bags. i have heard the tray idea that was mentioned in another comment and heard they work good i looked on ebay and got a good deal. also when people asked what i still need for baby i told them bags. Wic offers formula but breastfeeding is better wic will tell you to just feed don't  pump unless your working if that's the case then they will help get you a pump but from my experience(about to breastfeed 3rd child) there's enough milk to feed and pump working or not and at times pumping is needed when you get real full. Don't know about glass jars its possible if its sanitized and kept track of when pumped but that's a lot of jars  because it would have to be froze every pump cant add to previous milk i believe the cheapest is ice trays and ziplock bags Good luck

[rosealie23]

I like the ice cube tray idea. I would ask a lactation consultant about the mason jar idea. With my last I just looked for breast milk storage bags on sale. I know you need to make sure it is all very clean and sterile.

[kfw6293]

I would stay away from glass and plastics. Best thing like above comment.  If u don't have the money for bags use ice cube trays. Zip lock bags. Call ur local woman's center. Like the one who help with clothes, baby stuff, etc... They usually have that kinda stuff.

[caddiemae3]

With my 1st I used ice cube trays. Each cube is about 1/2 ounce. Once frozen pop them out and put them in a zip lock bag. I did a bag per bottle (so 6 cubes for 3 ounces, etc). I had 2 ice trays and would pump, fill ice trays and by the next pumping they'd be frozen pop them out, wash tray and reload to freeze. Worked like a charm! Good luck.

[jasmean]

Why don't you get wic free baby milk