Can I refreeze almost thawed breast milk?

Can I Refreeze Almost Thawed Breast Milk?
When it comes to the delicate process of handling breast milk, especially regarding thawing and refreezing, the guidelines are quite strict. Understanding these rules is crucial for ensuring the safety and nutritional quality of the milk intended for your baby.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource, and its storage guidelines are designed to minimize the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk can be safely stored in various ways: it can remain at room temperature for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to 12 months (though six months is recommended for optimal quality).
Thawing Breast Milk
When breast milk is thawed, it undergoes changes that can affect its safety. If breast milk is thawed in the refrigerator, it can be kept for up to 48 hours before it needs to be used. However, once breast milk has been brought to room temperature or warmed, it should be consumed within 5 to 8 hours.
The Question of Refreezing
The consensus among health experts is clear: refreezing thawed breast milk is not recommended. Once breast milk has been fully thawed, it should not be refrozen. This is primarily due to the risk of bacterial growth. When breast milk is thawed, any bacteria present can become active, and refreezing it would not eliminate these bacteria; it would merely pause their activity.
However, there is a caveat. If the breast milk is only partially thawed and still contains ice crystals, it may be safe to refreeze it. This indicates that the milk has not completely thawed and is still in a state that minimizes bacterial growth.
Conclusion
In summary, while it may be tempting to refreeze breast milk that has been thawed, doing so poses significant health risks. The safest practice is to use thawed breast milk within the recommended time frames and avoid refreezing unless it is still partially frozen. By adhering to these guidelines, parents can ensure that their babies receive the safest and most nutritious milk possible.

Is partially thawed breast milk safe to refreeze?

Sadly, breast milk must be used within 24 hours of thawing, and it can never be refrozen. The milk is high in sugar and bacteria — left out, the milk becomes a bacteria soup. It could give the baby life-threatening diarrhea.

Is it OK to refreeze partially thawed food?

When is it safe to refreeze food? You can safely refreeze frozen food that has thawed—raw or cooked, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through thawing. To safely refreeze, the thawed product must have been kept cold at 40 degrees or below for no more than 3-4 days.

Can you freeze breast milk after it’s been thawed?

If you’re thawing frozen breast milk, follow these guidelines for how long the milk can be safely used. Remember: Thawed breast milk cannot be re-frozen.

Can you refreeze milk after it’s been defrosted?

It’s not advisable to refreeze fully thawed milk. It would be different if there were some ice crystals left but I wouldn’t freeze milk twice.

Is it safe to refreeze after thawing?

When is it safe to refreeze food? You can safely refreeze frozen food that has thawed—raw or cooked, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through thawing. To safely refreeze, the thawed product must have been kept cold at 40 degrees or below for no more than 3-4 days.

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.

What happens if you freeze then unfreeze milk?

You might notice that the thawed milk is separated or looks like it has a grainy texture. This goes for both dairy milk and plant-based milks. It’s totally normal; this happens because the fat separates during freezing, which causes the milk to look grainy.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How to know if breastmilk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.

Can you refreeze breast milk according to the CDC?

According to the CDC you should never refreeze breast milk once it’s been thawed. It’s good in the fridge for up to 24 hours after being thawed, and that’s it.