Can you refreeze breast milk after partially thawed?

Understanding the Refreezing of Breast Milk
The question of whether you can refreeze breast milk after it has been partially thawed is a nuanced one, with varying opinions among experts and guidelines. As a parent or caregiver, it’s crucial to understand the implications of refreezing breast milk to ensure the health and safety of your baby.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is a precious resource, rich in nutrients and antibodies that support an infant’s immune system. Proper storage is essential to maintain its quality. According to the CDC, leftover breast milk can be safely used within two hours after feeding. However, once this time has passed, the milk should be discarded to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.
Refreezing Guidelines
The consensus on refreezing breast milk is somewhat divided. Some sources indicate that if breast milk has been partially thawed—meaning it still contains ice crystals—it is safe to refreeze it. This is because the milk has not fully transitioned to a liquid state, which helps preserve its nutritional qualities .
However, once breast milk has completely thawed, the general recommendation is to not refreeze it. Experts caution that refreezing fully thawed milk can lead to a loss of its beneficial properties, including live immune factors, which are crucial for your baby’s health. The CDC and other health organizations emphasize that thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator.
The Risks of Refreezing
The primary concern with refreezing thawed breast milk lies in the potential for bacterial growth. When breast milk is thawed, bacteria that may have been dormant can become active. Refreezing the milk does not kill these bacteria; it merely pauses their activity. This can pose a risk if the milk is later consumed.
While some anecdotal evidence suggests that refreezing thawed milk is acceptable, the lack of extensive research supporting this practice leads many experts to advise against it.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is technically possible to refreeze breast milk that is still partially thawed, it is not advisable to refreeze milk that has fully thawed. The best practice is to use thawed breast milk within 24 hours and to store it in smaller portions to minimize waste. Always prioritize your baby’s health by adhering to established guidelines for breast milk storage and handling.

Can you freeze breast milk multiple times?

More research is needed on whether previously frozen milk that’s been thawed can be frozen again and safely used. However, many experts recommend discarding thawed milk that isn’t used within 24 hours.

Can you refreeze thawed breast milk?

Once the power is back on, check the condition of your stored breast milk. Frozen breast milk that has started to thaw but still contains ice crystals can be refrozen. If your breast milk has completely thawed but still feels cold, put it in the refrigerator and use it within the next day or throw it away.

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 refreeze breast milk?

Frozen breast milk that has started to thaw but still contains ice crystals can be refrozen. If your breast milk has completely thawed but still feels cold, put it in the refrigerator and use it within the next day or throw it away. Thawed milk cannot be refrozen. After 24 hours, throw out unused, thawed milk.

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.

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 put half drank breast milk back in fridge?

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 half thawed breast milk be refrozen?

Frozen breast milk that has started to thaw but still contains ice crystals can be refrozen. If your breast milk has completely thawed but still feels cold, put it in the refrigerator and use it within the next day or throw it away. Thawed milk cannot be refrozen. After 24 hours, throw out unused, thawed milk.

Can thawed breast milk go back in the fridge?

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 used up within 5–8 hours. It cannot be refrigerated again.

Can frozen milk be thawed and refrozen?

The CDC says that you can refreeze thawed milk if it contains ice crystals. However, given the factors mentioned above, if you have any concerns you can always strain the ice crystals and refreeze those, and use the thawed milk according to these milk storage guidelines (LINK).