Can you put breastmilk back in the fridge?

The Controversy Around Refrigerating Breast Milk
Breastfeeding is a natural and often complex process that comes with its own set of guidelines and best practices. One common question among nursing mothers is whether it is safe to put breast milk back in the fridge after it has been left out at room temperature.
Understanding the Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk can be safely stored in various conditions, but there are specific recommendations that should be followed to ensure the milk remains safe for the baby.
1. Room Temperature Storage: Freshly expressed breast milk can be left at room temperature (approximately 77°F or 25°C) for up to four hours. If the milk has been left out longer than this, it is advised to discard it.
2. Refrigerating Breast Milk: Once breast milk is refrigerated, it can typically be stored for up to four days. However, if the milk has already been warmed to room temperature, the rules change slightly.
3. Refreezing Concerns: The CDC recommends that once breast milk has been thawed or warmed, it should not be refrozen or refrigerated again. This is primarily to prevent the growth of bacteria, which can occur when milk is warmed and then cooled again.
The Risks of Re-refrigerating
Putting breast milk back in the fridge after it has already been warmed to room temperature poses potential health risks. When breast milk is warmed, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. If mothers were to refrigerate the milk again after it has been left out, they might inadvertently expose their child to harmful pathogens. Therefore, following the guideline of discarding milk that has been left out for over four hours is crucial to ensure the health and safety of the baby.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to refrigerate breast milk after it has been left out, safety should always come first. The CDC’s guidelines are clear: once breast milk has been warmed and left out, it should be discarded if not used within the recommended time frame. Being informed about proper breast milk storage techniques not only helps in maintaining the quality of the milk but also ensures the well-being of the infant. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.

Can you put breast milk back in the fridge after taking it out?

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 I refrigerate unfinished breast milk?

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 I refrigerate breast milk after thawing?

Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

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.

Can you put milk back in fridge after room temperature?

Food can hang out in this zone for a bit, but after two hours, the risk of potentially harmful bacteria is significant. The clock rolls back to just one hour if the ambient temperature in the room is at 90 degrees F or higher — all to say, it’s imperative to get that milk back in the fridge as soon as possible.

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 unfinished breast milk be refrigerated?

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 put breast milk in the fridge after sitting out?

You can store expressed breast milk in the refrigerator overnight. Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, if breast milk is left out at room temperature (above 77°F or 25°C) for more than 4 hours, it should be discarded, as it may spoil.

Can you refrigerate breast milk twice?

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 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.