Please tell me if my whole 150 oz stash needs to be thrown away......

[jerseygirl07067]

We had a power outage last night which lasted for about 24 hours due to the hurricane. ( I live in central Florida and we got clobbered). Anyway, the power went out at 8:30 pm last night and at around noon today I found a friend of mine who had power and brought the frozen EBM to her house for storage. I was really hoping it would still be frozen solid when I opened the freezer this morning, since we didn't open it or the fridge the whole time. Well, it wasn't totally frozen solid, but was starting to defrost just a bit around the edges (I freeze in Lansinoh bags)and lay them flat) - it almost looked like a bit of slush around the edges, but not much. My friend has a deep freezer and I'm wondering if I got the milk in there on time.

I would hate to lose this stash, since these days, I feel like I can just barely keep up with DD, and when I do pump, I get such a smaller amount than I used to. I already had to throw out 125 oz after I found out that I had a lipase problem, but I was able to rebuild fast since I had an oversupply issue then.

I was also wondering if the fact that I currently "scald" the milk prior to freezing will help it keep longer anyway, so it doesn't need to be tossed. My husband thinks it will be fine, but I think he's just saying that.

What does everyone think? Safe to eat, or need to be tossed?


Marcy

[Momof3Labs]

Did all of it start to thaw? If any of it was still frozen solid, it is probably still fine. I would put the stuff that started to thaw in a separate container (or mark it) and use it ASAP. Personally, I don't toss frozen milk until I thaw it and KNOW that it is bad, since bad milk is pretty unmistakable when thawed.

I really hope that you didn't lose your stash - I'm not sure if I would place any bets on whether it is fine or not.

[stillplayswithbarbies]

I would guess that it will probably be okay. If it was only starting to thaw around the edges, but mostly still solid then it was probably okay to refreeze it.

I would try to use it up as soon as possible though.

I had to move my whole stash of 300 oz during the blackout last summer and it was okay. It was only about 8 hours without power before I found a place to take it though.

...Karen
DS Jake Feb 91, DD Logan Mar 03
http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/superpower.gif http://members.aol.com/khowe14494/bo...breastfed2.gif

[jerseygirl07067]

Thanks. I will try to use it up as fast as I can. I actually cycle through it pretty quick, and I believe I don't have anything dated more than 4-6 weeks old at this point.

Marcy

[ethansmom]

I lost my huge stash in the blackout last year. It's pretty unmistakable when the milk has gone bad! I would guess you are fine, but if it's yucky when thawed, or your child won't take it, I would pitch it.

I was crushed to throw it all away, but surprised at how fast I rebuilt it - I just added a pumping session at night.

Since you mentioned you aren't getting as much when you pump, have you replaced your valves/membranes/any other parts on your pump that should be replaced?