How bad is it to refreeze breast milk?

The Risks of Refreezing Breast Milk: What Parents Need to Know
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant nutrition, and for many mothers, pumping and storing breast milk is a practical solution to ensure their babies receive the best possible nourishment. However, the question of whether it is safe to refreeze breast milk after it has been thawed is a common concern among parents. The answer is nuanced and involves understanding the potential risks and nutritional implications.
Understanding the Thawing Process
When breast milk is frozen, it preserves its nutrients and prevents the growth of bacteria. However, once the milk is thawed, the dynamics change significantly. Thawed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the countdown begins as soon as it is fully thawed, not when it is taken out of the freezer. This means that if the milk is not used within this timeframe, parents may consider refreezing it.
The Risks of Refreezing
Refreezing breast milk is generally discouraged for several reasons. First and foremost, when breast milk is thawed, bacteria that were dormant during freezing can become active. If the milk is then refrozen, these bacteria are not eliminated; they are merely paused in their growth. This can lead to spoilage and potential foodborne illnesses if the milk is later consumed.
Moreover, repeated freezing and thawing can compromise the nutritional quality of breast milk. Studies suggest that each cycle of freezing and thawing can lead to a loss of essential nutrients, which are crucial for a baby’s development. The integrity of the milk can also be affected, altering its taste and texture, which may make it less palatable for infants.
Guidelines for Safe Storage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides strict guidelines for breast milk storage. It is recommended that breast milk be stored in the freezer for up to six months, or in a deep freezer for up to 12 months. However, once thawed, the milk should not be refrozen unless it is still partially frozen with ice crystals present. This partial thawing indicates that the milk has not fully transitioned to a state where bacteria can proliferate significantly.
Conclusion
In summary, while the idea of refreezing breast milk may seem convenient, it carries significant risks that can affect both the safety and nutritional quality of the milk. Parents are advised to adhere to established guidelines to ensure their infants receive the best possible nutrition. If there is any doubt about the safety of thawed breast milk, it is always better to err on the side of caution and discard it rather than risk the health of the baby.

Can you freeze breast milk more than once?

More research is needed on whether previously frozen milk that’s been thawed can be frozen again and safely used. However, many experts recommend discarding thawed milk that isn’t used within 24 hours.

How long does frozen breast milk last after thawed?

Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

How long is breastmilk good for after defrosting from freezer?

within 24 hours
Using thawed breastmilk
Milk thawed in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours. Milk thawed to room temperature or warmer should ideally be used in 1 to 2 hours. If your baby didn’t finish the bottle, the leftover breastmilk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is done feeding.

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.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

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).

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 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.

How to know if breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

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.