Dear Lactnet:

   I had a call from a mother whose milk which was pumped at three months
postpartum and stored approximately 1 month has a "chemically fishy smell". It
is also darker in color than her other milk ( she has about 40 bags saved) She
is freezing in 3mm polyethylene bags. she describes herself as  "anal" in her
pumping storing and heating routines.

   Her questions are: what is the smell from? what can she do to prevent its
occuring again? is the milk harmful?

    thank you,

             Patricia