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Can you mix thawed frozen milk from different days?

Mixing Thawed Frozen Milk: What You Need to Know
When it comes to managing frozen milk, particularly for breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether you can mix thawed milk from different days is a common concern. The good news is that you can mix thawed frozen milk from different days, provided certain conditions are met.
Guidelines for Mixing Thawed Milk
According to experts, it is perfectly acceptable to combine breast milk that has been frozen and thawed on different days. The key is to ensure that both types of milk are in their original, unaltered state. This means that if you have older frozen milk and newer frozen milk, you can simply defrost both and mix them together before warming them up for your baby.
Important Considerations
1. Thawing Process: When thawing milk, it’s crucial to do so safely. Milk that has started to thaw but still contains ice crystals can be refrozen. However, once milk has completely thawed, it should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
2. Storage Conditions: Always store thawed milk in the refrigerator if it’s not going to be used immediately. This helps maintain its quality and safety.
3. Mixing Techniques: When mixing, simply pour the contents from one container into another. This straightforward approach ensures that you maintain the integrity of the milk.
4. Quality Check: Before mixing, check the condition of the milk. If it smells off or has an unusual appearance, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Conclusion
In summary, mixing thawed frozen milk from different days is not only possible but also a practical solution for many breastfeeding mothers. By following safe thawing and storage practices, you can ensure that your baby receives the best nutrition without waste. Always remember to check the quality of the milk before use, and enjoy the convenience that comes with managing your milk supply effectively.

Can you mix frozen milk from different days?

Yep, you’re right! You can definitely combine frozen milk from different days/bags, as long as all the milk you’re mixing is already frozen or has been thawed to the same temperature. The advice about not mixing fresh with frozen is more about making sure the milk is handled safely.

How many days does frozen milk last?

Most milk is freezable and will maintain its quality if frozen for up to 3 months. People can also freeze soy milk and other dairy alternatives as well as breast milk. It also allows households to have a backup milk supply when they are running low.

Can I mix milk from different sessions?

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends that mothers follow strict guidelines when collecting and storing breast milk. According to their guidelines, mothers should not combine milk that has been pumped on different days, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth and contamination.

Does breast milk have to be the same temperature before mixing?

The American Academy of Pediatrics previously stated: “Mothers can mix warm milk and cold, or even consider pooling milk from 24 hours together, which may help even out variability in nutrients due to pumping time or breast emptying (which influences fat content of the milk).”

Can I put milk back in the fridge after thawing?

Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Don’t thaw or heat frozen breast milk in a microwave or in boiling water.

How long is frozen milk good once thawed?

two to three days
You can safely store frozen milk in your freezer for up to six months, but for best quality, try to use it within one month of freezing. Once thawed, consume or use the milk within two to three days. If you notice any signs of spoilage after thawing, like a sour taste or rancid odors, it’s best to toss the milk out.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘7VZoZ53mH8jGwPAP75zR0A0__36′,’

How to tell if frozen breast milk is bad?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.

Can you refreeze milk after thawing?

No, because as soon as milk is thawed it is subject to bacterial growth. It is never recommended to refreeze anything once thawed, let along something you plan to feed to an infant.

How long can defrosted milk sit out for?

1 to 2 hours
If the milk has been previously frozen, once thawed, it can sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If thawed milk is put in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze previously frozen breast milk. If the baby didn’t finish the bottle, discard the milk after 2 hours.

Can breast milk from different sessions be mixed?

As long as both milks are at the same temperature and that the mixture is used within 24 hours. If you mix freshly expressed milk, which is warm, with frozen milk you can alter the nutritional properties of the milk due to the change in temperature.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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