Can breast milk go back in the fridge after its been warmed?

Can Breast Milk Go Back in the Fridge After It’s Been Warmed?
The question of whether warmed breast milk can be returned to the refrigerator is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers. The answer, however, is nuanced and depends on specific conditions surrounding the warming process.
General Guidelines for Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource for feeding infants, and its safe storage is crucial for maintaining its nutritional quality and preventing bacterial growth. According to guidelines from health authorities, freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days at a temperature of around 40°F (4°C). However, once breast milk has been warmed, the rules change significantly.
The Warming Process and Safety Concerns
When breast milk is warmed, it becomes more susceptible to bacterial growth. Experts generally recommend that once breast milk has been warmed, it should either be used immediately or discarded. The rationale behind this guideline is that warming alters the milk’s properties, which can compromise its safety for the baby. Specifically, the warming process can destroy some of the innate properties that help prevent bacterial growth, making it less safe to refreeze or refrigerate again .
Specific Recommendations
1. Use Within Two Hours: If breast milk has been warmed, it should ideally be used within two hours. If it is not consumed within this timeframe, it is best to discard it.

2. Consult Professionals: In cases of uncertainty, consulting a pediatrician or a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance based on individual circumstances.
3. Exceptions: Some sources suggest that if the warmed milk has not been contaminated (for example, if the baby has not fed from it), it may be safe to refrigerate it again for a short period, typically up to four hours. However, this is not universally accepted and should be approached with caution.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are some exceptions, the safest practice is to avoid putting warmed breast milk back in the fridge. Instead, it should be used promptly or discarded to ensure the health and safety of your baby. As always, when in doubt, seeking advice from healthcare professionals is the best course of action.

Can I rewarm breast milk twice?

When it come to heating up breast milk, it’s generally recommended that you only reheat breast milk once, maybe twice. The reasoning for this is that each time you heat and cool the milk, it can potentially degrade the quality and nutritional value.

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Never refreeze or reheat breast milk that’s been thawed, the CDC notes. If you’re not feeding baby immediately, keep defrosted breast milk in the fridge. If you thawed it at room temperature, the milk is good for up to two hours (after that, throw it out).

Can you put baby milk back in the fridge after warming?

If it’s been warmed up, just toss it. Warmed up milk cannot go back into the fridge.

How long can refrigerated breast milk sit out after being warmed?

Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours.

Can you put breastmilk back in the fridge after warming?

You cannot refrigerate it again once it warms– it doesn’t matter the method. Increased temperature gives bacteria a chance to multiply. The time limits are generally what is thought to be of as safe levels.

Can breast milk be reused after heating?

Can you reuse previously heated breast milk? Do not reheat or restore breast milk that was previously warmed. Sometimes babies nibble at their food and don’t quite finish it. But after two hours of sitting out, it’s best to throw out any leftover breast milk.

How long can you keep breast milk after it’s been warmed up?

Warmed breast milk will typically need to be used within two hours of warming it. Finding a reliable, plastic-free storage bottle for your breast milk is critical to safely storing your liquid gold. You can thaw frozen breast milk in the fridge under running or in warm or hot water.

What to do with leftover warmed breast milk?

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts. See Breast Milk Storage and Preparation for more information.

Can warmed whole milk be refrigerated again?

Whatever bacteria grew while it warmed up will still be there, and will continue to grow. Refrigeration only slows down the multiplication of bacteria.

How long can baby milk sit out after being warmed?

Prepared infant formula can spoil if it is left out at room temperature. Use prepared infant formula within 2 hours of preparation and within one hour from when feeding begins. If you do not start to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.