Can you refreeze partially thawed breastmilk?

Understanding the Guidelines on Refreezing Thawed Breastmilk
The question of whether you can refreeze partially thawed breastmilk is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers. The guidelines surrounding breastmilk storage are crucial for ensuring the safety and health of infants, and they can sometimes be confusing.
The General Rule Against Refreezing
Typically, the consensus among health professionals is that once breastmilk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. This is primarily due to safety concerns regarding bacterial growth. When breastmilk is thawed, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which become active as the milk warms. If this milk is then refrozen, the freezing process does not kill the bacteria; it merely pauses their activity. When the milk is thawed again, these bacteria can resume multiplying, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses in infants.
Exceptions for Partially Thawed Milk
However, there are nuances to this guideline. Some sources suggest that if breastmilk is only partially thawed—meaning it still contains ice crystals—it may be safe to refreeze it. This is because the presence of ice crystals indicates that the milk has not fully warmed and that bacterial growth is likely minimal. In such cases, mothers may choose to refreeze the milk for later use, provided they are confident about the conditions under which it was thawed and handled.
Storage Timeframes
For fully thawed breastmilk, the recommendations are clear: it should be used within 24 to 48 hours if stored in the refrigerator. Once breastmilk has been brought to room temperature, it should be consumed within 5 to 8 hours. These timeframes are designed to minimize the risk of bacterial growth and ensure that the milk remains safe for the baby.
Conclusion
In summary, while the general guideline is to avoid refreezing thawed breastmilk due to safety concerns, there is some flexibility for partially thawed milk that still contains ice crystals. Mothers should always prioritize safety and adhere to recommended storage practices to protect their infants’ health. If in doubt, consulting with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Can breast milk be refrozen if partially thawed?

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 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.

What happens if you refreeze partially thawed 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 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.