Is breast milk OK after 5 days in fridge?

Understanding Breast Milk Storage
When it comes to the safety and quality of breast milk, proper storage is crucial. Many parents wonder about the viability of breast milk after it has been stored in the refrigerator for several days. Specifically, the question arises: Is breast milk still safe to use after five days in the fridge?
Recommended Storage Guidelines
According to guidelines from reputable health organizations, freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days at a temperature of 39°F (4°C) or colder. This timeframe is based on maintaining the milk’s nutritional quality and safety for the baby.
However, some sources suggest that under optimal sanitary conditions, breast milk might last longer—up to eight days—but this is contingent on strict hygiene practices during the expression and storage process. It’s important to note that while the milk may still be safe to consume, its nutrient content and immune-boosting properties may diminish over time.
The Risks of Extended Storage
Storing breast milk for five days exceeds the commonly recommended four-day limit. While it may still be safe to use, there are several factors to consider:
1. Temperature Fluctuations: The back of the fridge is the best place for storage, as the door can experience temperature changes that may compromise the milk’s safety.

2. Quality Degradation: Even if the milk is technically safe, its quality may decline. The longer it sits, the more likely it is to lose some of its beneficial properties.
3. Previous Handling: If the milk was left at room temperature for any period before refrigeration, its shelf life could be significantly reduced. For instance, milk that has been at room temperature for two hours may only last an additional three to four days in the fridge.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk stored in the refrigerator for five days may still be safe under certain conditions, it is generally advisable to adhere to the four-day guideline to ensure both safety and quality. If you find yourself with milk that has been stored for longer than recommended, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Always prioritize your baby’s health and well-being by following established storage guidelines.

What happens to breast milk after 5 days?

Transitional milk comes when mature breast milk gradually replaces colostrum. You will make transitional milk from 2-5 days after delivery until up to 2 weeks after delivery. You may notice that your breasts become fuller and warmer and that your milk slowly changes to a bluish-white color.

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.

Is 5 day old milk still good?

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.

Can you use 5 day old breast milk?

Breast milk is best stored in the back of the refrigerator (39°F or 4°C), where there are fewer temperature fluctuations. It is best to use refrigerated breast milk within 4 days.

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.

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.

Is breast milk ok in the fridge for 5 days?

Storing breast milk after expressing
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.

Is milk good after 5 days?

Milk can be refrigerated seven days; buttermilk, about two weeks. Milk or buttermilk may be frozen for about three months. Sour cream is safe in the refrigerator about one to three weeks but doesn’t freeze well. For more information, you may call the FDA toll-free at 888-723-3366 or go to FDA’s website.

Does milk go bad after 5 days?

Milk can be refrigerated seven days; buttermilk, about two weeks. Milk or buttermilk may be frozen for about three months. Sour cream is safe in the refrigerator about one to three weeks but doesn’t freeze well. For more information, you may call the FDA toll-free at 888-723-3366 or go to FDA’s website.

Can I freeze breast milk after 4 days in the fridge?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.