Can you freeze breastmilk after its been in the fridge?

Can You Freeze Breastmilk After It’s Been in the Fridge?
The question of whether you can freeze breastmilk after it has been stored in the refrigerator is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers. Understanding the guidelines for breastmilk storage is crucial for ensuring the safety and nutritional quality of the milk for your baby.
Storage Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), freshly expressed breastmilk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you find that you won’t be using the milk within this timeframe, it is advisable to freeze it right away to maintain its quality and safety.
Once breastmilk has been refrigerated, it is generally safe to freeze it, but there are some important considerations. If the milk has been in the fridge for more than four days, it is recommended not to freeze it, as the risk of bacterial growth increases over time. For milk that has been stored properly in the fridge, freezing it within 24 to 48 hours is ideal, especially if your baby is at higher risk for illness.
Nutritional Considerations
Freezing breastmilk is a practical solution for many mothers, allowing them to build a supply for future use. When frozen, breastmilk can be stored in a deep freezer for up to 12 months without significant loss of nutrients. However, it is important to note that the freshest milk, expressed directly from the breast, contains the highest levels of antibodies and nutrients, making it the best option for your baby.
Best Practices for Freezing
To ensure the best quality when freezing breastmilk, mothers should use clean, BPA-free containers or breastmilk storage bags specifically designed for freezing. It is also advisable to label the containers with the date of expression to keep track of storage times. When ready to use, breastmilk should be thawed in the refrigerator or under warm running water, and never refrozen once it has been thawed.
In summary, you can freeze breastmilk after it has been in the fridge, provided it has been stored for no more than four days. Following proper storage guidelines will help ensure that your baby receives safe and nutritious milk.

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 take breast milk out of the fridge and put back in?

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 freeze breastmilk after refrigerating it?

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 you put breast milk back in the fridge after baby drinks from it?

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. Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.

How long can breast milk sit out after being refrigerated?

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 save breast milk that baby didn’t finish?

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts.

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

Yes, you can store the the milk in a clean bottle with the teat/nipple attached.

Can I store breast milk in the fridge in a bottle?

Breast milk should only be stored in a sterile beaker or in breast milk bags. You can also express breast milk directly into a sterilized bottle, store it in the refrigerator, then heat it to the right temperature for feeding, using a water bath or bottle warmer.

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 is breast milk good for once pulled from the fridge?

At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.