Can you refreeze breastmilk after thawing in the fridge?

The Guidelines on Refreezing Thawed Breast Milk
When it comes to the delicate process of handling breast milk, particularly regarding thawing and refreezing, the guidelines are clear and rooted in safety. Refreezing breast milk after it has been thawed in the refrigerator is not recommended. This advice is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of infants who rely on breast milk for nutrition.
Understanding the Risks
Breast milk is a living substance, rich in nutrients and antibodies that are vital for a baby’s development. However, once breast milk has been thawed, it undergoes changes that can increase the risk of bacterial growth. According to health authorities, thawed breast milk should be treated with caution. Once thawed, breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but after this period, any leftover milk should be discarded.
The primary concern with refreezing thawed breast milk lies in the potential for bacterial contamination. When breast milk is thawed, it may not be at a temperature that prevents bacteria from multiplying. If the milk is refrozen, any bacteria present could survive the freezing process, leading to potential health risks for the baby when the milk is eventually consumed.
Expert Recommendations
Organizations such as the CDC and the Mayo Clinic emphasize that once breast milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. The CDC specifically states that thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator and should not be refrozen. This guideline is designed to protect infants from the risks associated with bacterial growth and compromised milk quality.
Moreover, the presence of ice crystals in thawed milk can indicate that it is still safe to refreeze, but this is a nuanced point. If the milk has completely thawed and shows no ice crystals, it should not be refrozen, even if it is still cold. This distinction is important for parents and caregivers to understand to ensure they are following best practices.
Conclusion
In summary, while the convenience of refreezing thawed breast milk might seem appealing, the health risks associated with bacterial growth and the integrity of the milk make it inadvisable. Parents should adhere to the guidelines of using thawed breast milk within 24 hours and discarding any leftovers to ensure their baby’s safety and health. By following these recommendations, caregivers can provide the best nutrition for their little ones while minimizing any potential risks.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.