How long can breast milk stay after thawing?

Understanding the Lifespan of Thawed Breast Milk
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing stored breast milk, especially when it comes to thawing and using it safely. Knowing how long thawed breast milk can remain usable is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of infants.
Thawed Breast Milk in the Refrigerator
Once breast milk has been thawed, it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This guideline is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasizes the importance of using thawed milk within this timeframe to maintain its nutritional quality and safety.
Leftover Milk After Feeding
After a feeding session, any leftover breast milk should ideally be consumed within two hours. If the milk has been warmed and not used, it should be discarded after this period. This is particularly important to prevent bacterial growth, which can occur in milk that has been left at room temperature for too long.
Refreezing Thawed Milk
It’s also critical to note that once breast milk has been thawed, it should never be refrozen. This practice can compromise the milk’s quality and safety, making it essential for caregivers to plan accordingly when thawing milk.
Best Practices for Thawing and Storing
To minimize waste, caregivers are encouraged to thaw only the amount of milk they anticipate using. This approach not only helps in managing the milk supply effectively but also reduces the risk of discarding unused milk. When traveling, breast milk can be kept in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours, allowing for flexibility while ensuring the milk remains safe for consumption.
In summary, thawed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours and should be consumed within two hours after feeding. Understanding these guidelines helps ensure that infants receive safe and nutritious breast milk, supporting their health and development.

How long can breast milk stay out after being defrosted?

If you thaw breast milk in the refrigerator, use it within 24 hours. Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours.

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.

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.

Can you refreeze partially thawed breast milk?

Frozen breast milk that has started to thaw but still contains ice crystals can be refrozen. If your breast milk has completely thawed but still feels cold, put it in the refrigerator and use it within the next day or throw it away. Thawed milk cannot be refrozen. After 24 hours, throw out unused, thawed milk.

Why does thawed breast milk only last 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 long does frozen milk last once thawed?

Thawing and Using Frozen Milk
Depending on the size of the container, it may take a day or longer to defrost. And once thawed, it’s best to use the milk within several days. You might notice that the thawed milk is separated or looks like it has a grainy texture. This goes for both dairy milk and plant-based milks.

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.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

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.

Can thawed breast milk go back in 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.