Is breast milk good after 4 days in fridge?

The Safety of Breast Milk After Four Days in the Fridge
Breast milk is a precious resource for infants, providing essential nutrients and immune support. However, understanding how long it remains safe and effective after being stored in the refrigerator is crucial for parents and caregivers.
Storage Guidelines
According to health authorities, freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the back of a refrigerator at a temperature of about 39°F (4°C) for up to four days. After this period, the recommendation is to either use the milk or discard it. This guideline is based on the fact that while breast milk has natural properties that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, these protective qualities begin to diminish after a few days of refrigeration .
Nutritional Integrity
While breast milk does not lose its nutritional value immediately after four days, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that after four days, the safety of the milk cannot be guaranteed, and it is best to err on the side of caution. Parents are advised to store breast milk in the back of the fridge rather than in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate due to frequent opening and closing.
Practical Considerations
If breast milk has been stored properly and is approaching the four-day mark, caregivers should assess its condition before use. Signs of spoilage can include an off smell or changes in texture. If there is any doubt about the milk’s safety, it is advisable to discard it. For longer storage, freezing breast milk is a viable option, allowing it to remain safe for up to six months.
In conclusion, while breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, it is essential to prioritize safety and quality. After this period, the best practice is to either use or dispose of the milk to ensure the health and well-being of the infant.

Can I use breast milk on the 5th day?

For the best quality, use breast milk that’s in the refrigerator within 4 days. Store breast milk in the back of the refrigerator, not on the door where the temperature fluctuates when the door is opened and closed. If you have more milk than you think your baby will drink in four days, freeze the extra.

Is milk still good after 4 days?

Milk can often be consumed after its expiration date, generally for up to three days for opened milk and up to seven days for unopened milk. Before consuming, it’s best to look for signs of spoilage. You can tell if milk is bad by checking the smell, color, consistency and taste.

What happens if a baby drinks spoiled breast milk?

They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever.

Does breast milk lose nutritional value when refrigerated?

Refrigeration for 72 hours of term milk decreased protein content less than freezing. Preterm colostrum has significantly less protein after 48 hours of refrigeration or freezing. Preterm milk from day 60 lost carbohydrates if refrigerated 72 hours or frozen for 2 months.

How will I 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 use breastmilk after 4 days in fridge?

According to the AAP, once your milk is in the refrigerator, you have up to four days to use it. After the four days are up, you’ll need to discard it. Once your milk is taken out of the fridge, feed it to your baby within 4 to 8 hours.

How long does it take for breast milk to spoil?

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

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.

What happens if baby drinks breast milk left out too long?

“One of the risks of breastmilk left out too long is growth of bacteria, which can’t be detected on visual inspection.” There isn’t a specific appearance, for example, or color of milk that denotes it’s “bad.” But milk that’s left out too long can result in vomiting or diarrhea in your baby, Dr.