Can you refrigerate then freeze breast milk?

Can You Refrigerate Then Freeze Breast Milk?
Breastfeeding and the storage of breast milk is a critical topic for new parents, caregivers, and health professionals alike. As many mothers navigate the challenges of feeding, questions arise about how to properly store breast milk to ensure its safety and nutritional value. One common query is whether breast milk can be refrigerated and then frozen, and the answer is nuanced.
The Storage Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breast milk can indeed be refrigerated before being frozen. This practice is particularly useful for mothers who may not need to use the milk immediately but want to store it for later use. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended storage times for breast milk:
– At Room Temperature: Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for about 4 hours.
– In the Refrigerator: When placed in the refrigerator, breast milk can last for up to 4 days. It is essential to store the milk in the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most consistent, rather than in the door, where it may be warmer.
– In the Freezer: If you choose to freeze breast milk, it can be stored for up to 6 months in a standard freezer. If you have a deep freezer, the milk can last for up to 12 months.
The Process: Refrigerate Then Freeze
When it comes to the process of refrigerating breast milk before freezing, it is crucial to follow certain guidelines to maintain the milk’s integrity and safety:
1. Cooling Before Freezing: After expressing breast milk, allow it to cool in the refrigerator first. This step helps maintain the quality of the milk when it is eventually frozen.

2. Storage Containers: Use clean, airtight containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic specifically designed for breast milk storage. Avoid using regular plastic bags or containers that may not provide an adequate seal.
3. Labeling: Always label the containers with the date and time of expression. This practice ensures that you use the oldest milk first, adhering to the principle of “first in, first out.”
4. Thawing: When it’s time to use the frozen milk, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or by placing the container under warm running water. It’s important to note that once thawed, it should be used within 24 hours and should not be refrozen.
Conclusion: A Safe Practice
Refrigerating breast milk before freezing is not only safe but also a practical method for many breastfeeding mothers. By following the recommended guidelines, parents can ensure that their stored breast milk retains its nutritional benefits while minimizing the risk of spoilage. This knowledge empowers caregivers to provide the best possible nutrition for their infants, even when they are not physically present to breastfeed. As always, consulting with healthcare professionals about individual circumstances remains a best practice to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Can you combine breast milk from different days to freeze?

Yep, you’re right! You can definitely combine frozen milk from different days/bags, as long as all the milk you’re mixing is already frozen or has been thawed to the same temperature. The advice about not mixing fresh with frozen is more about making sure the milk is handled safely.

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 mix morning and evening breast milk?

If you pump or hand express your breast milk at different times, you wonder if you can mix breast milk from different days into one storage container. Most of the time, combining breast milk is acceptable unless you have a preterm baby or you’re in an unclean environment.

Can you freeze breastmilk after being in the fridge?

You can refrigerate breast milk for three to five days and freeze it to keep it fresh even longer. Thawed breast milk will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (but don’t refreeze it). If you’re traveling, you can store breast milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to 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 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 you refreeze breast milk after partially thawed?

Once you thaw put breastmilk, you must use it. Do not refreeze it as it can ruin the milk and you might also spoil it. That goes for anything that you have frozen and then thaw out, you must use it or loose it.

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 breast milk sit out then be frozen?

If the milk has been previously frozen, once thawed, it can sit out at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. If thawed milk is put in the refrigerator, use within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze previously frozen breast milk. If the baby didn’t finish the bottle, discard the milk after 2 hours.

Can you combine breast milk from different pumping sessions?

If you combine breast milk from different days, be sure to cool your fresh breast milk before adding it to the previously refrigerated milk. Make sure the container of combined milk is labeled with the date the older milk was pumped. Store it in the freezer if the oldest milk was pumped more than four days ago.