I am Maureen Nelson, LLLL, Lactnet Lurker,first-time Poster here.  I worked
with a woman who was in the military reserves and was obligated to be
separated from her six-month old non-bottle taker for six days.  She froze
some milk before she left, rented a pump to take along, and Fed-exed her
chilled milk packed in dry ice each day.  The baby had plenty of milk and
did take the bottle while the mother was away, but unfortunately refused
the breast forevermore when his mother returned.

About keeping thawed milk at room temperature, it is my understanding that
thawed milk breaks down easily and should be used quickly.  The
Breastfeeding Answer Book by LLLI states that (for healthy full term baby,
proper washing of hands, etc) "If the freezer defrosts for any reason or if
more milk is thawed for a feeding than the baby takes, the milk can be kept
refrigerated for up to nine hours, but it should not be refrozen".  I would
be very nervous about defrosted milk being left at room temp for any period
of time.  I wish that more working women were aware that bmilk keeps for up
to five days in the fridge--they probably wouldn't have to freeze much at
all!


Learning and enjoying Lacntet,

Maureen Nelson, Tampa LLLL