What are the breast milk storage guidelines for a deep freezer?

The guidelines for storing breast milk in a deep freezer recommend that it can be safely kept for 6 to 12 months. This time frame ensures that the milk maintains its nutritional quality and safety for when it is later used. Breast milk can lose some of its immune properties and nutritional value over time, but storage in a deep freezer significantly extends its shelf life compared to other storage options, such as in a regular freezer or at refrigerator temperatures.

Additionally, when storing breast milk, it is essential to use proper containers, like sterile hard-sided containers or milk storage bags, and ensure that the freezer is at a constant temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. This level of vigilance in storage practices helps safeguard the milk's quality for an extended period, affirming the recommended duration of 6 to 12 months.