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How good is frozen breast milk good for once thawed?

The Quality of Thawed Frozen Breast Milk
Frozen breast milk is a lifeline for many breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to store their milk for later use. But how good is it once thawed? The answer lies in understanding the nutritional integrity and safety of breast milk after freezing.
Nutritional Value Retention
Research indicates that freezing breast milk does not significantly damage its essential nutrients or beneficial components, such as antibodies. Studies have shown that frozen breast milk retains its nutritional quality for at least nine months, and often longer, making it a viable option for feeding infants even after extended storage. This means that mothers can confidently use thawed milk, knowing that it still provides the necessary macronutrients and immune-boosting properties that fresh milk offers.
Thawing and Usage Guidelines
When it comes to thawing, there are specific guidelines to ensure the milk remains safe and nutritious. Thawed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s crucial to note that the clock starts ticking only once the milk is completely thawed, not from when it was first placed in the refrigerator.
For mothers who prefer to warm the milk, it’s recommended to do so gently, ensuring it reaches body temperature without overheating. If the milk feels too warm on the wrist, it’s advisable to let it cool down before feeding it to the baby.
Safety Considerations
While thawed breast milk is safe for consumption, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind. If a baby does not finish a bottle of thawed milk, it should be used within two hours after feeding. This is to prevent bacterial growth, which can occur if the milk is left out for too long.
Additionally, once breast milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. This is a critical point for maintaining the quality and safety of the milk.
Conclusion
In summary, thawed frozen breast milk remains a highly nutritious option for feeding infants, retaining its essential components for an extended period. By following proper thawing and storage guidelines, mothers can ensure that their babies receive the best possible nutrition, even from milk that has been stored for months. This practice not only supports breastfeeding mothers in managing their time but also provides peace of mind knowing that their stored milk is still beneficial for their little ones.

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.

Can bacteria grow in frozen breast milk?

Results: Significant declines in bacterial colony counts were seen from 2 to 12 weeks freezer storage for all bacteria. There were no differences in colony counts between freezer types. Once thawed, no further bacterial growth occurred. Conclusions: Short-term freezer storage for 12 weeks resulted bacterial killing.

How long can breastmilk sit out after thawed?

Don’t leave frozen breast milk to defrost at room temperature. Once fully thawed, previously frozen breast milk may be kept at room temperature for a maximum of two hours or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Don’t thaw or heat frozen breast milk in a microwave or in boiling water.

Can thawed breast milk be refrozen?

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.

How can you tell if frozen breast milk has gone bad?

Digestive enzymes and other components of breastmilk remain active even when milk is expressed or pumped. Expressed human milk may undergo odor changes when stored. Parents sometimes describe expressed or defrosted milk as smelling odd – metallic, soapy, or even rancid.

Why is breast milk only good for 2 hours after thawed?

There are white blood cells and antibodies in the milk along with fats/ proteins etc. That’s why it’s good for 4-6 days in the fridge. Once frozen, those living parts die. Re-freezing can further damage the milk and since the antibodies/WBCs aren’t there, can make it way easier for bacteria to grow when it’s thawed.

Does pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

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.

Does breast milk spoil when frozen?

Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best. Count the age of the milk from the first time it was frozen, regardless of when it was moved. Moving frozen breast milk between freezer locations should be done quickly to ensure that the milk stays frozen.

How long is breast milk good in the fridge after thawing?

24 hours
Guidelines for Storing Thawed Milk

Place Temperature How Long
Countertop or table Room temperature (77°F or colder) 1-2 hours
Refrigerator 40°F or colder Up to 24 hours
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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