Using stores of frozen EBM

[CeCe]

I've got a store of EBM in the freezer which is coming up to being there for the recommended storing time (3mths). As I EE I'm thinking of starting to use the early freezer stock and freezing the surplus of what I express atm.

I understand BM changes composition as the baby develops, and I'm assuming this would be occuring without DS attaching? DH is questioning if DS needs to attach for my body to know the BM composition needs to change. With regard to the frozen store, does this mean the milk I have from 3 months ago wont be meeting DS nutritional needs now and should be mixed with some current EBM? Or if it's just a bottle every now and then it shouldn't matter?

The other question DH had was do the antibodies of EBM survive the freeze and thaw if done correctly? I couldn't find anything on the ABA site regarding these questions and I'm hoping for some help here.

[Barb Glare]

Hi,
Your plan is a good one. Yes the composition of breastmilk changes - but your breastmilk, even from an earlier stage, meets your baby's needs waaay better than any alternative (formula) formula doesn't change in composition. Many antibodies are destroyed by freezing - but then again formula contains no antibodies at all.
If you have the ability to *mix it up* a bit that would be good - but you are doing a fabulous job providing your milk for your baby, so don't stress too much about it

[starangelk]

Cece - I also wondered this so I used fresh milk and thawed milk bottles and swapped to the other each feed. I spent ages looking for an answer and just couldn't find one.

I never thought about the antibodies thing but I believe that if there was a problem, then freezing wouldn't be recommended.

[CeCe]

Thank you both for your quick responses. Great to finally get some advice on this. I think I'll mix frozen with fresh in DS's feeds.

[Fleur]

I'm sure your milk does change as bub gets older. But I figured what Barb said - it was still good for her.
I think the biggest thing with frozen EBM is not to nuke it inthe microwave.

[CeCe]

That's true Fluer. I just needed someone to point out the obvious so I could realise that rather than worry about it all.

I've taken out the first bag of EBM and it's in the fridge defrosting for tomorrow.