Spinoff to freezer stash - has anyone heard that freezing BM destroys a lot of the immune benefits?

I've been trying to build a nice freezer supply since I am in the process of weaning and would like to have BM available even after I have stopped. But, recently, I have read this in a few places and now I am starting to wonder if all the extra effort is worth it - has anyone read that most of the leukocytes in human milk are killed with freezing- and that in general freezing destroys many of the immune benefits of the milk? I'm wondering what else the freezing process does to the overall beneficial nature of BM vs. formula... TIA!

Re: Spinoff to freezer stash - has anyone heard that freezing BM destroys a lot of the immune benefits?

Really??? I really really hope not, as I have about 200 oz. in my freezer :( My lactation consultant and Pediatrician (who is also a LC) have never mentioned this. Can you link me to the articles? Thanks

Re: Spinoff to freezer stash - has anyone heard that freezing BM destroys a lot of the immune benefits?

IT does compromise some of the benefits, but it is still better than formula.

Re: Spinoff to freezer stash - has anyone heard that freezing BM destroys a lot of the immune benefits?

Posted by RobinG

Really??? I really really hope not, as I have about 200 oz. in my freezer :( My lactation consultant and Pediatrician (who is also a LC) have never mentioned this. Can you link me to the articles? Thanks

Message edited 9/17/2010 11:38:17 PM.

Re: Spinoff to freezer stash - has anyone heard that freezing BM destroys a lot of the immune benefits?

Some of the nurses in the NICU, where my twins are now, mentioned this to me. They asked if I could bring up one fresh thing of milk a day so they still would get alot of the immunities. But like a PP said, even though some things may be lessened it is still better then formula.

Re: Spinoff to freezer stash - has anyone heard that freezing BM destroys a lot of the immune benefits?

Freezing does kill off the immune benefits- but the customized nutrition is still all there. Babies only benefit from the immunities in BM during the first 2 months or so and most babies are still EBF until that point anyway. None of my children got any frozen BM for some time.