Can you freeze breast milk after its been thawed?

Understanding the Freezing and Thawing of Breast Milk
Breastfeeding mothers often face questions about the proper handling and storage of breast milk, particularly regarding the freezing and thawing process. One common query is whether breast milk can be refrozen after it has been thawed. The answer is nuanced and rooted in safety guidelines established by health organizations.
The Thawing Process
When breast milk is thawed, it is crucial to understand the timeline for safe usage. According to guidelines, once breast milk has been thawed in the refrigerator, it should ideally be consumed within 24 hours. This timeframe begins once the milk is completely thawed, not when it is removed from the freezer . If the milk is thawed using quicker methods, such as warm water, it should be used immediately.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Breast Milk?
The consensus among health experts is clear: you should not refreeze breast milk that has been thawed. This is primarily due to safety concerns. When breast milk is thawed, it can harbor bacteria that may multiply if the milk is not consumed within the recommended time frame. Refreezing can compromise the quality and safety of the milk, potentially exposing the baby to harmful pathogens.
Best Practices for Handling Thawed Milk
To ensure the safety of thawed breast milk, mothers are advised to follow specific guidelines:
1. Thawing Method: The safest way to thaw breast milk is in the refrigerator overnight. If time is of the essence, placing the milk in a jug of warm water or running it under warm water can expedite the process .

2. Storage After Thawing: Once thawed, breast milk should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours. If it is not used within this period, it should be discarded.
3. Avoiding Temperature Fluctuations: It is important to avoid leaving thawed milk at room temperature for extended periods, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.
Conclusion
In summary, while freezing breast milk is a common practice for many breastfeeding mothers, once it has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. Adhering to these guidelines not only ensures the safety of the milk but also protects the health of the baby. By understanding the proper methods for thawing and storing breast milk, mothers can confidently navigate the complexities of breastfeeding and milk storage.

Why can’t you use thawed breast milk after 24 hours?

Bacteria can grow rapidly in thawed milk, especially if it’s kept at room temperature or if the storage conditions are not optimal. Using the milk within 24 hours minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and ensures the milk is safe for your baby.

Why you should not refreeze thawed breast milk?

When the food is thawed, bacterial growth speeds up, especially if the food reaches room temperature. Now, if it is refrozen, there are more bacteria than before, and when it thaws out again, we start with a greater pool of bacteria that can multiply.

How long is breastmilk good after you unfreeze it?

within 24 hours
Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

What happens if you freeze milk twice?

Most people worry about the food safety of thawing and refreezing, but as long as it’s done right, it’s perfectly safe. The only risk you’ll take is ruining the taste and texture of the food.

Can you store breast milk in bottles with nipples and cap in the fridge?

Tightly cap bottles. Do not store bottles with nipples attached. Label each container with your baby’s name and the date and time the milk was expressed.

How long is breast milk good in the fridge after thawing?

24 hours
Guidelines for Storing Thawed Milk

Place	Temperature	How Long
Countertop or table	Room temperature (77°F or colder)	1-2 hours
Refrigerator	40°F or colder	Up to 24 hours

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 I freeze breast milk after it’s been in the fridge?

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 freezer?

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.