Can you reuse leftover breastmilk from a bottle?

Reusing Leftover Breastmilk: What Parents Need to Know
In the journey of parenthood, especially for breastfeeding mothers, managing breastmilk can be both a blessing and a challenge. One common question that arises is whether leftover breastmilk from a bottle can be reused. The answer is nuanced and requires an understanding of safety guidelines and best practices.
Understanding Breastmilk Storage
Breastmilk is a precious resource, rich in nutrients and antibodies that benefit a baby’s health. When expressed and stored, it is crucial to follow specific protocols to ensure its safety and efficacy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), freshly expressed breastmilk can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to six months (with a maximum of 12 months being acceptable in some cases).
The Guidelines on Leftover Milk
When it comes to leftover breastmilk from a bottle, the guidelines are clear:
1. One-Time Use: If your baby has consumed breastmilk from a bottle, any leftover milk should ideally be discarded after one hour. This is because once the milk has been in the baby’s mouth, bacteria from the baby’s saliva can contaminate it, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
2. Refrigeration Considerations: If the bottle was not warmed prior to feeding and has been left at room temperature, the milk can still be safely stored for later use within the original time frame. However, if the milk has been warmed, it should be discarded after one hour, regardless of whether the baby consumed any.
3. Thawing and Refreezing: For previously frozen breastmilk that has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. Once thawed, it must be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator and should also be discarded if not used within that timeframe.
The Importance of Safety
The safety of your baby is paramount, and understanding these guidelines is essential in preventing potential health risks. Parents are encouraged to maintain a clean environment when handling breastmilk, using clean bottles and nipples, and washing hands thoroughly before expressing or feeding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the intention to reuse leftover breastmilk is understandable given its value, it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of your child. Disposing of any leftover milk after one hour of feeding is the best practice, as this minimizes the risk of bacterial contamination. By following these recommendations, parents can confidently provide the best nutrition for their little ones while ensuring their safety.

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 I put a half-finished bottle back in the fridge?

In short, no. It’s best not to keep part of a bottle for later. Health Canada recommends using a bottle within two hours of starting a feed. If your baby doesn’t finish all of their feed, throw away the rest.

What to do with leftover breast milk from a bottle?

If baby eats often then just pop it back in fridge and reheat for the next feed. Or you can set it aside and use it for milk baths. Although there are so many different guidelines out there I will say that it’s up to you what you feel comfortable doing with your baby.

Why can’t you use leftover breast milk?

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 use breast milk left in bottle?

If your baby did not finish the bottle, use the leftover milk within 2 hours. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be discarded.

Can an unfinished bottle of breastmilk be reused?

The portion put in the bottle that baby drank out of is NOT meant to be reused. It’s been exposed to bacteria flowing back into the bottle from baby’s mouth, which both introduces bacteria that will grow and flourish in the milk and begins breaking the milk down.

Can breast milk come out of fridge and go 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.

What can I do with breast milk that was left out?

It’s best to chill, refrigerate, or freeze breast milk immediately after it’s expressed. If expressed milk is left out unrefrigerated, but it’s in a clean, covered container, it can sit at room temperature for between four and six hours. Milk that has been left out for longer should be thrown away.

What if my baby didn’t finish the bottle of breast milk?

If your baby did not finish the bottle, leftover milk should be used within 2 hours. Wash disassembled pump and feeding parts in a clean basin with soap and water. Do not wash directly in the sink because the germs in the sink could contaminate items. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Can you put unfinished baby bottle back in fridge?

🍼 The CDC says to throw out unused formula immediately because of the risk of bacterial growth.