Can you refreeze breast milk after thawed in the fridge?

Can You Refreeze Thawed Breast Milk?
The question of whether you can refreeze breast milk after it has been thawed in the refrigerator is a topic of considerable debate among parents and healthcare professionals. While the convenience of refreezing might seem appealing, the consensus among experts leans towards caution.
Understanding Thawing and Refreezing
When breast milk is thawed, particularly in the refrigerator, it can be safely stored for up to 24 hours. However, once this time has elapsed, the milk should not be refrozen. The primary concern is the potential for bacterial growth and nutrient degradation. According to the La Leche League International, there is limited research supporting the safety of refreezing thawed breast milk, as this process may compromise the milk’s nutritional quality and increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
Nutritional Integrity and Safety Risks
Breast milk is a complex fluid rich in nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that are crucial for an infant’s development. Refreezing thawed milk can lead to the breakdown of these essential components. Experts emphasize that while some older guidelines suggested that refreezing might be acceptable under certain conditions, the prevailing view is that the risks outweigh the benefits.
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against refreezing thawed breast milk, highlighting that once milk has been thawed, it should be used within a specific timeframe to ensure safety.
Practical Recommendations
For parents navigating the challenges of breast milk storage, the best practice is to plan ahead. If you find yourself with thawed milk that you cannot use within 24 hours, it is advisable to discard it rather than attempt to refreeze. This approach not only safeguards your baby’s health but also ensures that the milk retains its nutritional value.
In summary, while the idea of refreezing thawed breast milk may seem convenient, the potential risks associated with bacterial growth and nutrient loss make it a practice best avoided. Instead, focus on proper storage techniques and timely usage to ensure your baby receives the best possible nutrition.

Is frozen milk ok after it thaws?

However, as long as freezing happens on or before the best before date, it is fine to freeze milk and thaw it for later use. The texture of thawed milk may be different from fresh milk, but the solids and liquid usually recombine when a person shakes or blends it.

Can you refreeze milk after it’s been defrosted?

It’s not advisable to refreeze fully thawed milk. It would be different if there were some ice crystals left but I wouldn’t freeze milk twice.

Can you refrigerate breastmilk twice?

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.

Why should you not refreeze after thawing?

First of all, the quality of any food is affected when you freeze it for a second time. That’s because slow freezing introduces large ice crystals that damage the cells of the food once it’s thawed — the culprit behind “mushy” meat or fish.

How long can breast milk stay in fridge once defrosted?

24 hours
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.

Can you reuse thawed breast milk?

These can damage its nutritional and protective properties and create hot spots that could scald your baby. Thawed breast milk left at room temperature should be fed to your baby within two hours or thrown away. Never re-freeze breast milk once thawed.

How many times can you freeze and thaw breast milk?

Use milk within 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator (from the time it is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer). Use thawed milk within 2 hours of bringing to room temperature or warming. Never refreeze thawed milk.

Can I refreeze breast milk after thawing in the fridge?

Sadly, breast milk must be used within 24 hours of thawing, and it can never be refrozen. The milk is high in sugar and bacteria — left out, the milk becomes a bacteria soup. It could give the baby life-threatening diarrhea.

How good is frozen breast milk good for once thawed?

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 refreeze breast milk according to the CDC?

According to the CDC you should never refreeze breast milk once it’s been thawed. It’s good in the fridge for up to 24 hours after being thawed, and that’s it.