Can you refrigerate breastmilk after warming?

Understanding the Guidelines for Refrigerating Warmed Breast Milk
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing breast milk storage and safety, particularly when it comes to warming and re-refrigerating milk. The question of whether warmed breast milk can be refrigerated again is a common concern, and the answer is nuanced.
The General Rule: Use or Discard
The prevailing guideline among health professionals is that once breast milk has been warmed, it should ideally be used within a specific timeframe or discarded. This is primarily due to safety concerns regarding bacterial growth. When breast milk is warmed, it undergoes changes that can make it more susceptible to bacterial contamination. Therefore, the recommendation is clear: once warmed, breast milk should either be consumed or thrown away.
Exceptions and Considerations
While the strict guideline is to discard warmed milk, some sources suggest that if the milk has been warmed but not consumed, it can be refrigerated again under certain conditions. For instance, if the milk was warmed to room temperature and not left out for an extended period, it may be safe to refrigerate it again for a short time. However, this practice is not universally endorsed, and many experts caution against it due to the potential risks involved.
Storage Duration and Safety
Breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and in the freezer for up to 12 months, although the quality may diminish over time. After warming, the milk should not be left out for more than two hours at room temperature. If it has been warmed and not used, the safest course of action is to discard it rather than risk the health of the baby.
Consulting Professionals
Given the complexities surrounding breast milk storage, it is always advisable for mothers to consult with pediatricians or lactation consultants. These professionals can provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances, helping to navigate the best practices for storing, reheating, and feeding breast milk.
In conclusion, while some flexibility exists regarding the re-refrigeration of warmed breast milk, the safest approach remains to use it promptly or discard it. This ensures the health and safety of the baby, which is always the top priority for breastfeeding mothers.

Can I rewarm breast milk twice?

When it come to heating up breast milk, it’s generally recommended that you only reheat breast milk once, maybe twice. The reasoning for this is that each time you heat and cool the milk, it can potentially degrade the quality and nutritional value.

Can you refrigerate breast milk after heating?

Can warmed breast milk be refrigerated again? Once you’ve taken breast milk out of the fridge or freezer and either warmed it up or allowed it to come to room temperature, use it within 2 hours. It’s not safe to use breast milk that’s been left out longer than that, and you should get rid of it if it has.

Can you refrigerate breast milk after thawing and warming?

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.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after heating it up?

Exposing your baby to potentially harmful levels of bacteria could lead to foodborne illnesses. And since breast milk is a living food full of microbes (as well as the sugars those microbes like to feed on), it’s best to play it safe and never refrigerate warmed breast milk.

How long can baby milk sit out after being warmed?

Prepared infant formula can spoil if it is left out at room temperature. Use prepared infant formula within 2 hours of preparation and within one hour from when feeding begins. If you do not start to use the prepared infant formula within 2 hours, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.

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 refrigerate baby milk after warming?

If it’s been warmed up, just toss it. Warmed up milk cannot go back into the fridge.

Can I put warm milk back in the fridge?

If cold milk is warmed but untouched, it can be returned to the fridge for a later feeding. It is not clear how long it is safe to keep milk after the baby drinks from the container. Some mothers keep the leftover milk at room temperature to use within an hour if the baby appears hungry after a short sleep.

Can you put breast milk back in the fridge after heating it up?

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 you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

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.