Frozen EBM. When should i throw it away?

[FunkyMonkey]

I have quite a supply of EBM in the freezer but I'm not sure if any of it is any good. As I have now started back at work on sundays, for now, my DF is taking care of my son, but they struck a small problem yesterday. The milk I had defrosted for DS smelt like it was sour, and I'm sure if it smells like that i must be. I also tried to make DS some custard with another much fresher batch, but it smelt wrong and tasted metalic.
I know that it will look curdled but how should it smell? When I started freezing the extra supply I thought it would last about 4 months in the deep freeze. I sterilized everything I used and stored it in milk bags in the middle of the freezer.
Should i just throw it all out and start again? And if so how do I safely increase my supply?

[FunkyMonkey]

Any help would be fantastic.

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Tarquins mum,
The rule of thimb re keeping EBM would be the same as any food that may be spoilt - if in doubt, throw it out. EBM shouldnt smell sour.

Guidelines for breastmilk storage are -
freshly expressed EBM - can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days ( keep it in the back of the fridge where it is coldest);2 weeks in teh freezer compartment inside the fridge; 3 months in the freezer compartment with a separate door and 6 to 12 months in a deep freeze ( -18 degrees or lower).

If you have complied with all these guidelines, could there have been a power failure? is your freezer working properly?

It may well be worth starting again - although it is also fine to check on more recently expressed milk first as it is far too precious to throw out without checking. Of course your babys well being is of greatest concern so please dont take any chances.

To increase supply - see the booklet from ABA -"Increasing Your supply".

Pinky