Can you freeze breastmilk that has been refrigerated?

Can You Freeze Refrigerated Breast Milk?
The question of whether you can freeze breast milk that has been refrigerated is a common concern among breastfeeding parents. Understanding the guidelines for breast milk storage is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of your baby.
Freezing Refrigerated Milk: The Guidelines
Yes, you can freeze breast milk that has been refrigerated, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. According to health experts, if breast milk has been stored in the refrigerator, it should ideally be frozen within 24 to 48 hours of being expressed. This timeframe is particularly critical if the baby is sick, preterm, or otherwise at risk for illness, as freezing the milk can help preserve its nutritional and protective properties.
Storage Duration and Best Practices
When it comes to storing breast milk, the general guidelines suggest that freshly expressed milk is the best option, followed by refrigerated milk, and then frozen milk. Freshly expressed breast milk retains the highest levels of nutrients and anti-infective properties, making it the most beneficial for your baby.
In the refrigerator, breast milk can be safely stored for up to four days, but it is recommended to use it within 24 hours for optimal freshness and safety. If you find yourself with excess milk that you won’t use within this timeframe, freezing it is a practical solution.
Thawing and Reusing Frozen Milk
Once breast milk is frozen, it can be stored for up to six months in a standard freezer, and even longer in a deep freezer. When thawing frozen breast milk, it’s important to do so in the refrigerator and to use it within 24 hours after it has completely thawed. This ensures that the milk remains safe for your baby to consume.
Conclusion
In summary, freezing breast milk that has been refrigerated is not only possible but also advisable if you adhere to the recommended timeframes. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your baby receives the best possible nutrition while minimizing waste. Always remember that the health and safety of your baby are paramount, and proper storage practices play a vital role in achieving that.

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.

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.

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.

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 put breast milk back in the fridge if baby doesn’t finish?

If, after feeding your baby, you’re left with half or a quarter of a bottle, you can reuse it, but only if you’re going to do so quite soon. The CDC advises reusing leftover breast milk within two hours of the last feeding. If it’s longer than two hours, you should throw it away. Do not freeze and reuse later.

Can breast milk come out of fridge and go 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 babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

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.

Can I freeze breastmilk after it’s been in the fridge?

No. You cannot refreeze breastmilk. Breastmilk can only be frozen once. Once thawed, it needs to be used up. It can stay in the fridge for up to 48 hours after being thawed, then/or once it has been brought up to room temperature, it needs to be u…