Can you put breast milk in the refrigerator and then freeze it?

Storing Breast Milk: Refrigeration and Freezing Guidelines
Breastfeeding mothers often find themselves navigating the complexities of storing breast milk, especially when it comes to refrigeration and freezing. Understanding the best practices for storing breast milk is crucial for ensuring its safety and nutritional quality for infants.
Refrigeration of Breast Milk
Breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. This timeframe allows the milk to maintain its beneficial properties while minimizing the risk of bacterial growth. However, it’s important to note that the natural antibacterial properties of breast milk begin to decline after a few days of refrigeration. Therefore, if a mother anticipates that she won’t use the milk within this period, it is advisable to freeze it as soon as possible.
Freezing Breast Milk
When it comes to freezing, breast milk can be stored for about six months for optimal quality, although it can remain safe for up to twelve months. To ensure the best preservation of nutrients and to prevent freezer burn, mothers should use containers specifically designed for breast milk storage, avoiding disposable bottle liners or non-intended plastic bags.
Transitioning from Refrigerator to Freezer
A common question arises: can breast milk that has been refrigerated be frozen? The answer is yes, but with some important considerations. If breast milk has been stored in the refrigerator for a few days, it can still be frozen, but it is best to do so before the four-day mark to ensure maximum safety and quality. If the milk has been in the refrigerator for longer than this recommended period, it is generally advised to discard it rather than freeze it, as the risk of bacterial growth increases.
Thawing and Reusing Frozen Milk
Once frozen, breast milk should be thawed gradually in the refrigerator. If immediate use is necessary, it can be thawed more quickly by placing it in a jug of warm water or under running warm water. After thawing, it is important to use the milk within 24 hours and to avoid refreezing it .
In summary, while it is perfectly acceptable to refrigerate breast milk before freezing it, adhering to the recommended storage times is essential for maintaining its safety and nutritional value. By following these guidelines, breastfeeding mothers can ensure that their infants receive the best possible nutrition, even when they are not able to breastfeed directly.

How long is breastmilk good once out of the fridge?

4 hours
Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: 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.

Can you combine breast milk from different days to freeze?

According to Verywell Family, it is safe to combine breast milk from different pumping sessions if the milk is collected and stored under clean conditions and the baby is full-term and healthy. However, it is not recommended to combine milk that has been stored for more than 24 hours.

How long can breast milk be left out after refrigerated?

Storing breast milk after expressing
Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: 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.

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.

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.

Can you freeze breast milk after refrigerating?

After 4 days of refrigeration, your breast milk should be used or thrown away. Breast milk properties slow the growth of bad bacteria. These properties begin to decline after a few days of refrigeration. If you think you won’t use breast milk within a few days, freeze it as quickly as possible.

Can you reuse breast milk that baby didn’t finish?

Key Takeaways. If your baby doesn’t finish their bottle of breast milk, you can reuse it within two hours. However, due to the risk of bacterial contamination, you should throw it out if it’s been longer than two hours.

Can I mix breast milk from different days?

Can I add freshly expressed breast milk to already stored milk? You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or frozen milk. However, thoroughly cool the freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk.

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

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: 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.