Can you refreeze breast milk if thawed in the fridge?

Understanding the Refreezing of Thawed Breast Milk
The question of whether you can refreeze breast milk that has been thawed in the refrigerator is a nuanced one, steeped in both safety concerns and nutritional considerations. As parents navigate the complexities of breastfeeding and milk storage, understanding the guidelines surrounding breast milk is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of their infants.
Thawing and Storage Guidelines
When breast milk is thawed in the refrigerator, it can be safely stored for up to 24 hours. After this period, the milk should ideally be used or discarded to prevent any risk of spoilage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations emphasize the importance of proper storage techniques to maintain the quality of breast milk.
The Risks of Refreezing
While some parents may wonder about the possibility of refreezing thawed breast milk, the consensus among experts is cautious. Refreezing previously thawed milk is generally discouraged due to potential risks. The primary concern is that refreezing can lead to nutritional degradation and an increased risk of bacterial growth. When breast milk is thawed, it undergoes changes that can compromise its quality, and refreezing may exacerbate these issues.
Moreover, the CDC has indicated that if there are no ice crystals present in the thawed milk, it should not be refrozen, even if it remains cold. This guideline is rooted in the understanding that once milk has been thawed completely, the structure and safety of the milk can be compromised, making it unsuitable for refreezing.
Nutritional Considerations
Breast milk is a complex fluid rich in nutrients, antibodies, and fats that are essential for a baby’s development. Refreezing can disrupt the delicate balance of these components. For instance, the fat globules in breast milk can separate during the freezing and thawing process, potentially leading to issues with feeding, such as clogged nipples.
Best Practices for Parents
For parents managing breast milk supplies, the best practice is to plan ahead. If you anticipate needing to thaw milk, consider portioning it into smaller amounts before freezing. This way, you can thaw only what you need, minimizing waste and reducing the temptation to refreeze.
In summary, while the idea of refreezing thawed breast milk may seem convenient, the potential risks to your baby’s health and the nutritional integrity of the milk make it advisable to avoid this practice. Instead, focus on proper thawing and storage techniques to ensure that your little one receives the best possible nutrition.

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.

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.

What happens if you freeze and unfreeze milk?

You might notice that the thawed milk is separated or looks like it has a grainy texture. This goes for both dairy milk and plant-based milks. It’s totally normal; this happens because the fat separates during freezing, which causes the milk to look grainy.

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 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 breast milk be thawed twice?

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 you freeze breast milk after unfreezing?

If you’re thawing frozen breast milk, follow these guidelines for how long the milk can be safely used. Remember: Thawed breast milk cannot be re-frozen.

How long can you keep frozen breast milk once defrosted?

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.

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.