Can you refrigerate breast milk and then freeze it?

Can You Refrigerate Breast Milk and Then Freeze It?
When it comes to storing breast milk, understanding the proper methods is crucial for ensuring its safety and nutritional quality for your baby. The good news is that you can indeed refrigerate breast milk before freezing it, but there are specific guidelines to follow to maintain its integrity.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or cooler. This allows parents some flexibility in managing their milk supply, especially if immediate freezing isn’t feasible. It’s important to refrigerate the milk as soon as possible after expressing it to minimize bacterial growth and preserve its nutrients.
Freezing After Refrigeration
If you choose to refrigerate breast milk first, you can freeze it later. However, it’s essential to note that breast milk expands when frozen, so it’s advisable to leave some space in the container to accommodate this expansion. When you decide to freeze the milk, ensure that your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or colder, as this is the optimal temperature for long-term storage.
Thawing and Reusing Frozen Milk
Once breast milk has been frozen, it can remain safe for use for 6 to 12 months, although using it within the first six months is recommended for the best quality. When thawing frozen breast milk, the safest method is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you need it more quickly, you can thaw it by placing the container in a jug of warm water or under running warm water. Importantly, once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours and should not be refrozen.
Key Takeaways
In summary, refrigerating breast milk before freezing is not only permissible but also a practical approach for many parents. Just remember to follow the recommended storage times and temperatures to ensure that your baby receives the safest and most nutritious milk possible. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively manage your breast milk supply while ensuring your baby’s health and well-being.

How long can breast milk be left out after refrigerated?

Storing breast milk after expressing
Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

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.

How long is breastmilk good once out of the fridge?

4 hours
Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Can I freeze breastmilk after it’s been in the fridge?

No. You cannot refreeze breastmilk. 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 u…

Can I store breast milk in a feeding bottle in the fridge?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Can I pump into the same bottle all day?

Milk stays good for 4 hours if you leave it at room temperature after pumping. So, you can pump into the same bottle within the 4 hours timeframe. Once the 4-hour timeframe has elapsed, you can either give the milk to your baby or store it in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

Can you take breast milk out of the fridge and put back in?

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.

Can I mix breast milk from two different days?

The International Milk League and Alba Lactancia Materna mention that if you can mix breast milk from other days or sessions. As long as both milks are at the same temperature and that the mixture is used within 24 hours.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after baby drinks from it?

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. Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.

Can you mix frozen and refrigerated breast milk?

Can I add freshly expressed breast milk to already stored milk? You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or frozen milk. However, thoroughly cool the freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk.