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How long can thawed frozen breast milk stay in fridge?

Understanding Thawed Frozen Breast Milk Storage
When it comes to the delicate matter of storing thawed frozen breast milk, parents often seek clarity on how long this precious resource can remain safe for their little ones. The guidelines are straightforward yet crucial for ensuring the health and safety of infants.
Duration in the Refrigerator
Once breast milk has been thawed, it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This time frame begins from the moment the milk is completely thawed, not from when it was removed from the freezer. It’s essential for parents to plan accordingly, taking out only what they anticipate their baby will consume within that day to minimize waste.
Why the 24-Hour Rule?
The 24-hour limit is rooted in safety. Thawed breast milk can harbor bacteria if left too long, which is why it’s critical to adhere to this guideline. Unlike fresh breast milk, which can last several days in the fridge, thawed milk has already undergone a freezing and thawing process that alters its stability.
Refreezing and Usage After Thawing
It’s important to note that once breast milk has been thawed, it should never be refrozen. This rule helps prevent the risk of bacterial growth and ensures that the milk remains safe for consumption. If your baby does not finish a bottle of thawed milk, it can be used within 1 to 2 hours after feeding, provided it has not been warmed beyond room temperature.
Conclusion
In summary, thawed frozen breast milk is a valuable resource for breastfeeding parents, but it comes with specific storage guidelines. By keeping thawed milk in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours and avoiding refreezing, parents can ensure that their babies receive safe and nutritious milk. This careful attention to storage practices not only supports the health of infants but also helps parents manage their breastfeeding journey with confidence.

How long is breast milk good for after thawing?

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.

Will spoiled breast milk harm a baby?

Can babies get sick from old breast milk? If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.

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.

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 long until breast milk goes bad after thawing?

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.

Why is thawed milk only good for 24 hours?

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.

What if baby drinks bad breast milk?

If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.

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 long is breastmilk good once taken out of the fridge?

The Short Answer Breast milk can be safely consumed if it has been at room temperature for no more than 6 to 8 hours total, which includes all of the time the milk spends above refrigerated temperature.

How long is frozen breast milk good for after thawing?

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.

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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