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How long is breastmilk good after thawing?

Understanding the Shelf Life of Thawed Breast Milk
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant nutrition, and for many mothers, expressing and storing breast milk is an essential practice. However, knowing how long thawed breast milk remains safe and nutritious is crucial for both the health of the baby and the convenience of the caregiver.
Thawing Methods and Timeframes
When breast milk is thawed, the method used can significantly impact its usability. If breast milk is thawed in the refrigerator, it can be safely used within 24 hours. This method is often recommended as it keeps the milk at a safe temperature, minimizing the risk of bacterial growth.
On the other hand, if breast milk is thawed at room temperature or warmed, it should ideally be consumed within 1 to 2 hours. This timeframe is particularly important if the milk has been warmed to room temperature, as the risk of spoilage increases. If a baby does not finish a bottle, any leftover milk can still be used within this 2-hour window after feeding, but should be discarded afterward to ensure safety.
Nutritional Considerations
While the safety of thawed breast milk is paramount, its nutritional quality is also a concern. Breast milk that has been frozen retains its nutritional value for a considerable time, typically up to six months in the freezer, and can remain safe for up to a year. However, after six months, the nutritional quality may begin to diminish, even though it remains safe to consume.
Best Practices for Thawing and Storing
To avoid waste and ensure that breast milk is consumed while still fresh, caregivers are encouraged to thaw only what is needed. Smaller amounts can be thawed and warmed, which not only reduces waste but also ensures that the milk is consumed within the recommended timeframes. This practice is particularly beneficial for mothers who may be away from their babies for extended periods.
In summary, understanding the proper handling of thawed breast milk is essential for maintaining its safety and nutritional quality. By adhering to recommended timeframes for use after thawing, caregivers can ensure that their infants receive the best possible nutrition from 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 after you unfreeze it?

According to the CDC you should never refreeze breast milk once it’s been thawed. It’s good in the fridge for up to 24 hours after being thawed, and that’s it.

Is frozen milk OK to drink after it thaws?

Frozen and defrosted milk is best suited for cooking, baking, or making smoothies. It may undergo some changes in texture that make it unpleasant to use as a beverage. These include being slushy, grainy, or having some fat separation. However, it’s safe to drink if it was stored and defrosted properly.

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.

Why can’t you use thawed breast milk after 24 hours?

Sadly, breast milk must be used within 24 hours of thawing, and it can never be refrozen. The milk is high in sugar and bacteria — left out, the milk becomes a bacteria soup. It could give the baby life-threatening diarrhea.

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.

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 thawed milk be refrigerated again?

Frozen milk which has been thawed can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. While there is some evidence that milk thawed for a few hours may be refrozen, this results in further breakdown of milk components and loss of antimicrobial activity.

How long will milk last after defrosting?

within 2 days
When you want to use your frozen milk, simply transfer from the freezer to the fridge and leave to fully thaw overnight. Always use your defrosted milk within 2 days of defrosting. Don’t be tempted to speed up the defrosting process by leaving it at room temperature as this could encourage harmful bacterial to grow.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘mitoZ9XtDKnc1sQP7MWMWQ__41′,’

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.

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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