Can I refreeze breast milk after thawing in the fridge?

Refreezing Thawed Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
The question of whether to refreeze breast milk after it has been thawed in the refrigerator is one that many new parents grapple with. Understanding the safety and best practices surrounding breast milk storage is crucial not only for the nutritional quality of the milk but also for the health of the infant.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource, packed with essential nutrients and antibodies that support a baby’s development and immune system. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be frozen for about six months in a standard freezer. However, once breast milk has been thawed, the rules change.
Thawing Breast Milk
When breast milk is thawed, it is best to do so in the refrigerator, which allows for a gradual and safe defrosting process. Thawed breast milk can remain in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before it must be used or discarded. This time frame is vital for ensuring that the milk remains safe for consumption.
The Question of Refreezing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against refreezing thawed breast milk. Once breast milk has been thawed, refreezing it can compromise its quality and safety. The primary concerns include:
1. Bacterial Growth: Thawing breast milk allows for the potential growth of bacteria. When refrozen, any bacteria present in the milk can be preserved and may lead to health risks for the infant.
2. Nutritional Value: Repeated freezing and thawing can degrade the nutritional content of breast milk. Essential enzymes and antibodies may be diminished, reducing the milk’s beneficial properties.
3. Quality Concerns: The texture and taste of breast milk can change after it has been thawed and then refrozen, which might lead to a refusal by the baby to consume it.
Best Practices
For parents who find themselves with leftover thawed breast milk, here are some best practices to consider:
– Plan Ahead: To minimize waste, express and store breast milk in smaller quantities, allowing for easier thawing and use.
– Use It or Lose It: If breast milk has been thawed, aim to use it within 24 hours. If you cannot use it, it’s safer to discard it rather than refreeze.
– Label Your Storage: Always label your breast milk storage containers with the date of expression and thawing. This practice aids in tracking the freshness and safety of the milk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the idea of refreezing thawed breast milk may seem convenient, the risks associated with bacteria growth and the loss of nutritional quality make it an unwise choice. By adhering to safe storage practices and understanding the guidelines set forth by health organizations, parents can ensure that their infants receive the best possible nutrition from their breast milk. Prioritizing safety and quality is paramount in the journey of breastfeeding.

Can you refrigerate breastmilk twice?

Don’t put leftover breast milk back in the fridge to use later or refreeze it. It’s important to follow safety guidelines for breast milk because bacteria can grow in it if you leave it out for too long.

Can you refreeze breast milk after thawed in the fridge?

Once you thaw put breastmilk, you must use it. Do not refreeze it as it can ruin the milk and you might also spoil it. That goes for anything that you have frozen and then thaw out, you must use it or loose it.

Can I freeze breast milk after 4 days in the fridge?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.

Can breast milk be thawed twice?

Use milk within 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator (from the time it is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer). Use thawed milk within 2 hours of bringing to room temperature or warming. Never refreeze thawed milk.

How long can breast milk stay in fridge once defrosted?

24 hours
Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Don’t thaw or heat frozen breast milk in a microwave or in boiling water.

How to tell if frozen breast milk is bad?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.

Can frozen milk be thawed and refrozen?

The CDC says that you can refreeze thawed milk if it contains ice crystals. However, given the factors mentioned above, if you have any concerns you can always strain the ice crystals and refreeze those, and use the thawed milk according to these milk storage guidelines (LINK).

Can you freeze breast milk after unfreezing?

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 I put breastmilk back in fridge after warming it up?

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.

How long can you keep frozen breast milk once defrosted?

Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Don’t thaw or heat frozen breast milk in a microwave or in boiling water.