Written by: Lindsay Kuula
Date: November 9th, 2025

Around the time my son turned 1, I opened my deep freezer and it dawned on me, I had about 150oz of breast milk that was going to start to expire, and I had a moment.

When E was born, I collected milk as best I could, like most BF mamas do. Every single feeding, I had a milk collector on the non-nursing breast, building up my stash of liquid gold ounce by ounce. Literally in one ounce increments. I slaved over each drop, because it is SO precious.

And sadly, breast milk doesn’t last forever, and when you’re in the thick of breastfeeding, it’s hard to know how much to stockpile, and often times you will collect more than your baby will actually need.

Now I’m racing against expiration dates, trying to figure out how to use this breast milk stash before it goes bad. And honestly? There’s no chance I’m pouring any of it down the drain. I had to do it once after having some medication that I couldn’t nurse with for 48 hours, and pumping and dumping was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my entire life. If you want to feel my misery, a glutton for punishment, here’s a video of me pouring out 8 ounces of fresh, beautiful breast milk. We can all give our respects.

So, i you’re in the same boat, or approach expiration dates of bags of frozen breast milk wondering what to do, I’ve got you. Here’s exactly how I’m using up my stash, plus some creative options I’ve discovered along the way.

Why Your Breast Milk Stash Might Be Expiring

Before we dive into solutions, let’s talk about why this happens. For me, it was a combination of things:

I didn’t truly understand how my body worked, and why I was collecting milk. Only that I needed to collect as much milk as I could. I was lucky that when I did go back to work, I WFH so I was able to nurse about 95% of the time. The other 10% I’d pump during calls when our nanny would feed him. So, we rarely got into the stash.

There were a few times we had to dig into the stash — but most of the time I was nursing, so the stash didn’t really get touched. I realize this isn’t as common, given many Moms go back to work, and are pumping throughout the day. (Which, can we recognize the saints out there that do this!)

Regardless of how much milk you have stashed, there are some things you should know about expiration dates.

The guidelines might be shorter than you think. Breast milk lasts 6-12 months in a standard freezer (depending on your freezer type), and once you realize half your stash is approaching that deadline, the pressure is real.

Life changes. Maybe you’re weaning earlier than expected, or your baby started solids and isn’t drinking as much, or—like me—you just built up more than you needed “just in case.”

Whatever the reason, you’re not alone. And there are so many ways to put that breast milk stash to good use.

The 5 Ways I’m Actually Using My Breast Milk Stash

1. Mixing It Into His Bedtime Milk for Extra Vitamin D

Every night before E goes to bed, I mix breast milk into his cow’s milk. Here’s why: breast milk doesn’t naturally contain Vitamin D (which is why pediatricians recommend cow’s milk at age 1), so by mixing it with fortified cow’s milk, he gets the benefits of both.

It also helps me use up the stash gradually without wasting it. He actually prefers when there’s both, I have no idea how he knows the difference, but he does. And I feel good knowing those antibodies are still doing their thing.

2. Adding It to His Daily Smoothies

This one’s been a game-changer. E’s smoothie routine is part of our morning, and breast milk blends seamlessly with banana, berries, and a handful of spinach (because I’m that mom who sneaks vegetables into everything).

Not only does it add nutrition, but it also helps me knock out 3-4 oz at a time. Some mornings I’ll use 2-3 bags just for smoothies, which means I’m chipping away at the stash fast.

A few of my faves: I love the beast blender because it has different size blender cups, and you can actually put a lid with a straw on it and give to your toddler. But we’re in the pulling the straw out of the cup phase, so I put it in the Owala kids water bottle which has an attached straw, and the pull isn’t too difficult, so it’s the PERFECT smoothie cup.

3. Batch Freezer Pancakes and Waffles

Okay, this is where I’m really putting my breast milk stash to work. I’ve been making massive batches of pancakes and waffles using breast milk instead of cow’s milk—then freezing them for quick breakfasts.

It’s a high-volume strategy. One batch can use 10-20 oz of milk, and I’ve got a freezer full of homemade toddler breakfasts that I can just pop in the toaster. E loves them, and I love that I’m using up the stash in a way that feels productive (not wasteful).

Recipes that work great with breast milk:

• Banana pancakes
• Blueberry waffles
• Whole wheat muffins

4. Breast Milk Popsicles for Teething

E is in that brutal teething phase where everything goes in his mouth, and frozen breast milk popsicles have been a lifesaver. I call them “breasticles”. Depending on the age of your child, you could use real popsicle molds, but I freeze them in the teething silicone molds, and he gnaws on them while getting the soothing benefits of cold + the antibodies in the milk.

These silicon molds, you can snag on Amazon, are awesome because they’re so easy to use and make. I’ve been using these since E was 6 months old and I would mash up raspberries or some fruit in there while he was starting solids, and also when he started teething.

These are especially helpful now when he’s sick or has a rash from all the drool. The antibacterial properties in breast milk can help with inflammation, and the cold soothes his gums. I actually gave an extra bag to a friend who’s 17mo old has Hand Foot and Mouth right now, because of all the sores in her mouth. Seems to help relieve some of the pain.

Pro Tip: If there are any ice crystals still in the milk, you technically can refreeze the milk. So, if you have a bit left over, you don’t have to worry about tossing it. As a reminder, it’s recommended by The CDC that completely thawed breast milk needs to be used within 24 hours.

5. Random Foods: Mac and Cheese, Scrambled Eggs, Muffins

This one’s my catch-all strategy. Any recipe that calls for milk? I’m using breast milk. Scrambled eggs, mac and cheese, purees, oatmeal.. you name it. To be clear, I am not using my breast milk for recipes that anyone but my toddler will consume.

What I’m Doing With Expired Breast Milk

Here’s the thing: not all of my stash is still fresh. Which is sooooo sad. Some bags have already crossed that 6-12 month mark, and while I’m not comfortable feeding expired milk to E, I’m also not ready to toss it.

My Skincare Routine Just Got an Upgrade

I started using expired breast milk on my face, and honestly? My skin has never looked better or felt softer. And I’m a big skin care person. Breast milk contains lactic acid (a natural exfoliant), antibodies, and fats that are incredibly moisturizing.

I apply it like a toner after washing my face, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. I cannot emphasize how soft my face feels the next day. But, I will ONLY every use expired milk. However, for my next kid when I’m in the thick of feedings in the first few weeks, if there’s extra that’s squirting out, that’s immediately going on my face.

Breast Milk Baths for E

On days when E has a diaper rash, eczema flare-up, or just irritated skin, I add a few ounces of expired breast milk to his bath. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe his skin, and it’s gentler than most store-bought products.

I’ll usually pour 3-6 oz into a shallow bath and let him soak for 10-15 minutes. His skin always feels softer afterward, and any redness tends to calm down.

I just gave a few extra bags to my best friend who’s baby has Hand Foot and Mouth and she gave her a bath in it yesterday. Seems like it helped sooth her, and 24 hours later the bumps seem to be better. Whether that’s just her immune system working it, I imagine the breast milk bath did help.

Other Ways to Use Breast Milk (Not Medical Advice!)

I need to be really clear here: I’m not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. But I’ve heard from countless moms who swear by breast milk for minor health issues. Always consult your pediatrician if your child has any of these conditions, and never rely solely on breast milk as treatment.

That said, here’s what other moms have told me works:

• Diaper rash: Dab breast milk on the rash and let it air dry
• Eczema or dry skin patches: Apply like a lotion
• Stuffy nose: A few drops in each nostril can help break up congestion
• Pink eye: Some moms use drops of breast milk for conjunctivitis (though this is debated).
• Ear infections: A few drops in the ear canal for relief (again, see your doctor first)
• Minor cuts or scrapes: The antibodies can help with healing

I haven’t personally tried most of these, but I know many moms who treat breast milk as a first-line defense for minor issues. Just remember: if symptoms persist or worsen, get professional medical attention.

Should You Donate Your Breast Milk Stash?

This was something I seriously considered. If you have a significant stash and it’s not expired, donating to a milk bank or another family can be an incredible gift. But there are some things to know first.

Formal Milk Bank Donation

Organizations like the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) screen donors rigorously. You’ll need to:

• Complete a health questionnaire
• Provide medical records
• Undergo blood testing (similar to blood donation screening)
• Meet specific medication and lifestyle requirements

Milk banks prioritize extremely premature and sick babies, so their standards are stricter than what’s recommended for feeding your own healthy baby.

Important note about antibiotics: I didn’t donate my breast milk stash because a good portion of it was pumped while I was on antibiotics for mastitis. While antibiotics like cephalexin are safe for breastfeeding your own baby, many milk banks have deferral periods for milk containing certain medications. If you’ve taken antibiotics or any medications, contact the milk bank directly to ask about their specific policy. Some may accept milk after a waiting period, while others may not.

Informal Milk Sharing

Local Facebook mom groups and networks like Human Milk 4 Human Babies connect donors with families who need milk. This is less regulated than formal milk banks, and it’s an option if:

• Your milk doesn’t meet milk bank requirements
• You want to help a family directly in your community
• You’re transparent about any medications or health history

Where to find recipients:

• Local mom groups on Facebook
• Human Milk 4 Human Babies (national network)
• Your pediatrician’s office may know families in need
• Hospital NICUs sometimes accept donations

Other Creative Ways to Use Breast Milk

Breast Milk Soap

I haven’t tried this myself, but there are tons of tutorials online for making breast milk soap. It’s supposed to be incredibly gentle for baby skin (and your skin too). If you’re crafty and have a large stash to use up, this could be a fun project.

Breast Milk Jewelry

There are companies that will turn your breast milk into keepsakes (rings, necklaces, bracelets, picture frames…) by preserving it in resin. It’s not for everyone, but I totally understand why some moms want to commemorate such a special (and exhausting) part of their breastfeeding journey. To be honest, I was the one that sort of scoffed at this, but there are a few companies that are doing this well, (specifically Milk + Honey Breastmilk Jewelry) that make beautifully designed jewelry that doesn’t feel cheesy! It’s the only company I would actually order from. See a few examples of their jewelry:

Companies that make breast milk jewelry:

• Milk + Honey Breastmilk Jewelry (my favorite, beautiful jewelry)
• KeepsakeMom
• Mamma’s Liquid Love
• Tree of Life Breastmilk Jewelry
• Little Foots Jewelry
• Love Catcher Keepsake Jewelry

Breast Milk Yogurt

Yes, you can make yogurt with breast milk! There are tutorials online, and apparently it’s a great way to introduce probiotics to your baby. I haven’t tried this yet, but it’s on my list if I have enough stash left over.

Hair Mask

Some moms swear by breast milk as a deep conditioner. I haven’t tested this one myself, but the fats and proteins in milk theoretically could be good for your hair.

Real Talk: It’s Okay to Not Use Every Ounce Even Though It Feels Like A Dagger To The Heart

Here’s something I’m still working on accepting: it’s okay if some of your breast milk stash expires and you end up tossing it.

I know that sounds like blasphemy. You spent hours pumping, sacrificed sleep, dealt with clogged ducts and mastitis and all the things that come with building a stash. The idea of pouring even one ounce down the drain feels wasteful.

But here’s the truth: you made that milk to feed your baby, and you did. Whether E drank it fresh, I used it in pancakes six months later, or it expired in the freezer—it served its purpose. It was there as a backup, as insurance, as a safety net.

You don’t have to use every single ounce to make your breastfeeding journey “worth it.” You already did that by showing up, day after day, to feed your baby.

So yes, get creative. Use it in smoothies and baths and muffins. Donate if you can. Make jewelry if that feels meaningful. But if some expires? Give yourself grace. You did enough.

What Actually Helped: My Breast Milk Stash Strategy

If I could go back and do it differently, here’s what I’d tell myself:

Be realistic about how much you actually need. I way overestimated. For me, there were a few surprise moments like a week long trip and an MRI that I needed to pump and dump for 48 hours, where my week+ stash saved me from having to supplement with formula. I don’t think you need a six-month stockpile unless you’re planning extended time away from your baby.

Use the oldest milk first. This seems obvious, but when you’re exhausted at 3am, it’s easy to grab whatever’s on top. Date your bags clearly and rotate your stash regularly.

Start using your stash earlier. Don’t wait until it’s about to expire. Mix it into bottles, use it in food, give it in sippy cups, whatever works. The sooner you start chipping away at it, the less stressful it becomes.

Consider donating while it’s fresh. If you know you’re building up more than you’ll use, start the donation process early. Most milk banks have age limits (usually 6-8 months from pump date), so waiting until the last minute might disqualify you.

Common Questions About Using Your Breast Milk Stash

Can I refreeze breast milk after thawing it? No. Once breast milk is thawed, you should use it within 24 hours and never refreeze it. However, the CDC does say you technically can refreeze it IF there are still ice crystals in the bag. But, I wouldn’t recommend doing this often.

Does breast milk lose nutritional value as it sits in the freezer? Yes, but only slightly. The antibodies and some vitamins degrade over time, but it’s still nutritionally superior to formula for most babies.

How can I tell if breast milk has gone bad? Smell it. Spoiled breast milk has a distinct sour smell (different from the soapy smell that high-lipase milk sometimes has). If it smells off, don’t use it.

Is it safe to use breast milk on my baby’s skin if it’s expired for feeding? Generally, yes. The antibacterial properties don’t expire as quickly as the nutritional value, so using it topically on rashes, eczema, or in baths is usually safe. When in doubt, ask your peditrician.

What’s the difference between high-lipase milk and spoiled milk? High-lipase milk has a soapy or metallic smell due to the enzyme breaking down fats. It’s safe to drink but might taste off. Spoiled milk smells sour and should not be used.

My Final Thoughts On Using A Breast Milk Stash

Using up my breast milk stash has been a surprisingly emotional process. Every bag I pull from the freezer represents a specific moment in time. A late-night pumping session, a work trip, a tough week where I was wasn’t collecting as much as I was expecting my body to produce.

But it’s also been empowering. Instead of feeling defeated by expiration dates, I’ve found creative ways to make sure all that work doesn’t go to waste. Whether it’s in E’s pancakes, his bath, or even on my face, that milk is still serving a purpose.

If you’re staring at a freezer full of breast milk wondering what to do, I hope this helps. You have options. Lots of them. And whatever you choose, whether it’s donation, creative cooking, skincare, or just moving on, it’s the right choice for you.