Can you heat up breast milk then put it back in the fridge?

The Safety of Reheating and Refrigerating Breast Milk
When it comes to the delicate process of handling breast milk, many parents find themselves asking whether it’s safe to heat up breast milk and then put it back in the fridge. The answer is nuanced and revolves around safety guidelines designed to protect the health of infants.
Heating Breast Milk: The Basics
Breast milk can be warmed safely using methods such as placing the bottle in warm water or using a bottle warmer. It’s crucial to avoid direct heat sources like microwaves or stovetops, as these can create hot spots that may scald the milk and destroy its beneficial nutrients.
What Happens After Heating?
Once breast milk has been warmed, the guidelines become stricter. The general consensus among health professionals is that warmed breast milk should not be returned to the refrigerator. This is primarily due to the risk of bacterial growth that can occur when milk is heated. The process of warming can create an environment conducive to bacteria, and once the milk has been warmed, it should either be used immediately or discarded.
Exceptions and Considerations
There are some exceptions noted in discussions among parents and lactation consultants. For instance, if the warmed milk has not been consumed and is returned to the fridge within a short time frame—typically within four hours—some sources suggest it may be safe to refrigerate it again. However, this is not universally recommended, and many experts advise against it to err on the side of caution.
Best Practices for Storing Breast Milk
To maximize the safety and quality of breast milk, it is best to follow these practices:
– Store freshly expressed milk in the refrigerator immediately after pumping to keep it safe for up to four days.
– Avoid warming more milk than needed to minimize waste and reduce the risk of having to re-refrigerate.
– Consult with a pediatrician or lactation consultant for personalized advice, especially if you have specific concerns or unique circumstances.
In conclusion, while the convenience of reheating and re-refrigerating breast milk may seem appealing, the potential health risks associated with bacterial growth make it advisable to use warmed milk promptly or discard it. Prioritizing safety ensures that your baby receives the best nutrition without unnecessary risks.

Can you reheat breast milk once cooled?

If you’re reheating milk that’s been refrigerated, use warm running water to take off the chill. You can also heat a pot of water on the stovetop, and place the bottle or bag into the water. Don’t heat the breast milk directly on the stovetop, and never make breast milk hot enough to boil.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

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.

Can you rewarm breast milk twice?

Breast milk that has been refrigerated or frozen can only be heated once. Never reheat breast milk as this accumulates bacteria the more it is exposed to warmer temperatures. Breast milk that has been heated or brought to room temperature needs to be consumed within 2 hours.

Can warmed whole milk be refrigerated again?

Whatever bacteria grew while it warmed up will still be there, and will continue to grow. Refrigeration only slows down the multiplication of bacteria.

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 put breast milk back in the fridge after warming?

If it’s not used, it should be thrown away. “Once your milk is warmed, the ability of the milk to inhibit bacterial growth is decreased, so it is not recommended to place your milk back in the refrigerator,” explains Andria. “The baby’s mouth touching the milk leads to bacterial growth in the milk.

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Can You Reheat Breast Milk Multiple Times? Yes, you can reheat it once, maybe twice. Any more than that, you risk giving your baby spoiled breast milk while also losing its nutritional value.

Can you put baby milk back in the fridge after warming?

If it’s been warmed up, just toss it. Warmed up milk cannot go back into the fridge.

Is it OK to heat milk twice?

Always keep your milk refrigerated. Milk that has been left out for an extended period of time will become difficult to foam as the fat content breaks down in higher temperatures. Ensure your milk jug is rinsed thoroughly after each use. Do not reheat milk.