Can you thaw breast milk and then refreeze it?

The Complexities of Thawing and Refreezing Breast Milk
Breast milk is a precious resource for nursing mothers, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to infants. As many parents navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, questions about the proper handling and storage of breast milk often arise. One common query is whether it is safe to thaw breast milk and then refreeze it.
Thawing Breast Milk: The Basics
Thawing breast milk should be done with care to maintain its nutritional quality. The safest methods include placing the frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight, running it under cool water, or using a warm water bath. It is crucial to avoid using a microwave, as this can create hot spots that may scald the milk and destroy some of its beneficial properties.
The Refreezing Dilemma
When it comes to refreezing thawed breast milk, the guidelines are somewhat strict. According to health experts, once breast milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen unless it has been kept at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) and used within 24 hours. This is primarily due to concerns about bacterial growth. If the milk has been left at room temperature for more than two hours, it should be discarded.
However, there are exceptions. If the thawed breast milk has been kept in the refrigerator and not consumed within the 24-hour window, it can be refrozen, but this should be done with caution. The quality of the milk may diminish with each freeze-thaw cycle, potentially affecting its nutritional value.
Best Practices for Storing Breast Milk
To maximize the safety and quality of breast milk, mothers are encouraged to follow best practices for storage. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, while frozen milk can last for six months to a year, depending on the freezer’s temperature. When preparing to freeze milk, it is advisable to use small containers to avoid waste, as only the amount needed for a single feeding should be thawed at one time.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach
In summary, while it is technically possible to refreeze thawed breast milk under specific conditions, it is generally recommended to avoid doing so to ensure the highest quality and safety for your baby. Mothers should prioritize proper thawing methods and adhere to storage guidelines to make the most of their breast milk supply. As always, when in doubt, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

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 happens if I refreeze thawed breast milk?

• Refreezing breast milk that has been previously thawed can alter the composition and quality of the milk.
• Furthermore, refreezing breast milk can also increase the risk of bacterial growth and contamination, as the process of thawing and refreezing can create an environment that is favorable for bacterial growth.

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.

Why is thawed breast milk only good for 24 hours?

Bacteria can grow rapidly in thawed milk, especially if it’s kept at room temperature or if the storage conditions are not optimal. Using the milk within 24 hours minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and ensures the milk is safe for your baby.

How many times can you freeze breast milk?

No, it’s not safe to refreeze previously thawed breast milk and then give it to your baby later. Once frozen breast milk has thawed, it’s best used within 24 hours (or up to 72 hours, according to the AAP). After that, any leftover thawed milk shouldn’t be consumed.

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.

How to tell if frozen breast milk is bad?

The milk is likely to have a very distinctive sour smell and may even taste metallic, like soap or bitter. If it smells sour, it is very likely because of the lipase enzyme’s action on the fat content of breast milk.

Can you freeze breast milk after unfreezing?

If you’re thawing frozen breast milk, follow these guidelines for how long the milk can be safely used. Remember: Thawed breast milk cannot be re-frozen.

What happens if you freeze milk twice?

Most people worry about the food safety of thawing and refreezing, but as long as it’s done right, it’s perfectly safe. The only risk you’ll take is ruining the taste and texture of the food.

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).