Can you freeze breast milk after unfreezing?

Can You Freeze Breast Milk After Unfreezing?
The question of whether breast milk can be refrozen after it has been thawed is a common concern among breastfeeding parents. Understanding the guidelines surrounding breast milk storage is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of your baby.
Thawing and Refreezing Guidelines
According to health experts, once breast milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that thawed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but any milk that has been thawed should be used within that timeframe and not returned to the freezer. This guideline is primarily based on safety concerns regarding bacterial growth. When breast milk is thawed, it can reach temperatures that allow bacteria to multiply, and refreezing it could potentially increase the risk of foodborne illness for your infant.
Storage Duration and Conditions
Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for an extended period, typically up to six months for optimal quality, and up to 12 months is acceptable. However, once it has been thawed, the clock starts ticking. The CDC recommends that thawed milk should be consumed within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator, and any leftover milk that has been warmed should be discarded after one feeding.
Best Practices for Handling Breast Milk
To ensure the safety of breast milk, parents should follow specific storage practices. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) or colder for six to twelve months. When thawing breast milk, it is best to do so in the refrigerator overnight or by placing the container in warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may scald your baby.
Conclusion
In summary, while freezing breast milk is a safe and effective way to store it for later use, once it has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. Adhering to these guidelines not only helps maintain the nutritional quality of the milk but also ensures the safety of your baby. Always remember to label your milk with the date it was expressed to keep track of its freshness and to use the oldest milk first.

Can you put defrosted 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.

How long is breastmilk good after you unfreeze it?

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.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

How long does frozen milk last after thawed?

Depending on the size of the container, it may take a day or longer to defrost. And once thawed, it’s best to use the milk within several days. 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.

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 long will frozen milk last after defrosting?

Depending on the size of the container, it may take a day or longer to defrost. And once thawed, it’s best to use the milk within several days. 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.

Can you freeze milk twice?

You can only freeze and de-frost milk once (never re-freeze), so if you live in a small household, this is the best option to avoid wastage.

How to know if breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

How many times can you freeze breast milk?

No, it’s not safe to refreeze previously thawed breast milk and then give it to your baby later. Once frozen breast milk has thawed, it’s best used within 24 hours (or up to 72 hours, according to the AAP). After that, any leftover thawed milk shouldn’t be consumed.

Can you combine breast milk from different pumping sessions?

Most of the time, combining breast milk is acceptable unless you have a preterm baby or you’re in an unclean environment. That said, you need to follow some specific guidelines to ensure the safety of your milk collection and avoid contamination. Here’s what you need to know about mixing breast milk.