Can breastmilk go back in fridge after warming?

Understanding the Guidelines for Warming and Storing Breast Milk
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing breast milk storage and preparation, particularly when it comes to warming milk for their babies. A common question arises: Can breast milk be put back in the fridge after it has been warmed? The answer is nuanced and rooted in safety guidelines.
The General Consensus
The prevailing advice from health experts is that warmed breast milk should not be refrigerated again. Once breast milk has been warmed, it is recommended to use it within a specific timeframe—typically within two hours. This guideline is primarily due to concerns about bacterial growth. When breast milk is warmed, it can reach temperatures that may allow bacteria to proliferate, especially if it is left at room temperature for too long.
The Science Behind the Guidelines
Breast milk is a living substance, rich in nutrients and immune properties that are crucial for a baby’s development. However, the process of warming can compromise some of these beneficial properties. According to experts, both freezing and heating breast milk can destroy some of its important immune components, which are vital for protecting infants from infections.
When breast milk is warmed, it should ideally be consumed right away or discarded if not used within the recommended time frame. This practice helps ensure that the milk remains safe for the baby, minimizing the risk of contamination.
Exceptions and Considerations
While the strict guideline is to avoid refrigerating warmed milk, there are some nuances to consider. If breast milk has been warmed but not fed to the baby, and it has been kept at room temperature for less than two hours, it can be safely used. However, if it has been warmed and then left out for longer than that, it should be discarded to prevent any potential health risks.
In some discussions among parents and experts, there are mentions of specific circumstances where re-refrigeration might be considered, but these are generally not recommended due to the risks involved.
Conclusion
In summary, the best practice for handling warmed breast milk is to use it promptly and avoid putting it back in the fridge. This approach not only safeguards your baby’s health but also ensures that the milk retains its nutritional value. For mothers navigating the complexities of breastfeeding, adhering to these guidelines can help alleviate concerns about milk safety and quality.

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 I put thawed breast milk back in the fridge?

If your breast milk has completely thawed but still feels cold, put it in the refrigerator and use it within the next day or throw it away.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed.

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 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.

Can you put breast milk that’s been sitting out back in the fridge?

And remember, freshly pumped milk that has been left unrefrigerated for longer than four hours should be thrown away, regardless of whether it’s been used in a feeding or not. Previously frozen milk should be used within 24 hours once thawed and refrigerated. If left on the counter, throw out after 2 hours.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after warming?

Healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants and pediatricians, generally recommend against refrigerating breast milk again once it has been warmed. This is because once breast milk is warmed to a typical feeding temperature, bacterial growth will accelerate.

Can you put baby milk back in fridge after warming?

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

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.

Can you put heated milk back in the fridge?

If your baby does not finish a feeding, you should throw away the leftover breast milk in the bottle. Warmed breast milk CAN NOT be refrigerated again. Although it’s not well known, refrigeration can slow the growth of some bacteria. Doctors do not recommend refrigerating heated milk.