What can I do with leftover reheated breast milk?

Understanding Leftover Reheated Breast Milk: What to Do
As a new parent, managing breast milk can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to leftover milk after a feeding. The question of what to do with reheated breast milk is not just about practicality; it also involves ensuring the health and safety of your baby. Here’s a detailed look at the best practices and options available for handling leftover breast milk.
Safety Guidelines for Leftover Breast Milk
When it comes to leftover breast milk, safety is paramount. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once breast milk has been warmed and offered to your baby, any leftover milk should ideally be used within two hours of the feeding. After this period, it is recommended to discard the milk to prevent any risk of bacterial growth. This guideline is crucial because, unlike formula, which should be discarded immediately after feeding, breast milk has a bit more flexibility, though caution is still advised.
Can You Reuse Leftover Milk?
The question of reusing leftover breast milk is a common concern among parents. While there is no definitive research on the safety of reusing breast milk, many experts and parents suggest that it may be acceptable to refrigerate leftover milk and use it at the next feeding, provided it is done within a reasonable timeframe . However, it’s essential to note that this practice should be approached with caution. If the milk has been left out for more than two hours, it should be discarded to ensure your baby’s safety.
Creative Uses for Leftover Breast Milk
If you find yourself with leftover breast milk that you cannot use for feeding, there are several creative alternatives to consider:
1. Breast Milk Baths: Some parents choose to add leftover breast milk to their baby’s bath. This can be soothing for the skin and is often recommended for babies with eczema or dry skin.
2. Homemade Lotions: Another innovative use for leftover breast milk is to create homemade lotions. Mixing breast milk with natural oils can yield a moisturizing lotion that some parents find beneficial for their baby’s skin.
3. Freezing for Future Use: If you have leftover milk that has not been warmed, consider freezing it for later use. This can be a great way to ensure that no milk goes to waste, allowing you to use it in future feedings.
Conclusion
Managing leftover reheated breast milk involves a careful balance of safety and creativity. While it is generally advised to discard any milk that has been warmed and not consumed within two hours, there are alternative uses for milk that remains unheated. Whether you choose to use it in baths, create homemade lotions, or freeze it for later, the key is to prioritize your baby’s health while minimizing waste. Always remember to consult with your pediatrician if you have specific concerns or questions about feeding practices.

Can you put an unfinished breastmilk bottle back in the fridge?

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 you save breast milk after it has been heated?

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. Never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed.

Can you rewarm breast milk more than once?

Once milk has been reheated, you should feed it to your baby within two hours, and anything left over should be discarded. Do not put it back in the fridge or freezer, do not leave it at room temperature, and do not reheat it again!

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Never refreeze or reheat breast milk that’s been thawed, the CDC notes. If you’re not feeding baby immediately, keep defrosted breast milk in the fridge. If you thawed it at room temperature, the milk is good for up to two hours (after that, throw it out).

Can you put already warmed breast milk back in the fridge?

Don’t put leftover breast milk back in the fridge to use later or refreeze it. It’s important to follow safety guidelines for breast milk because bacteria can grow in it if you leave it out for too long.

How long is breastmilk good for once warmed up?

within 2 hours
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.

Can I put breastmilk in plants?

If you have a green thumb and like growing plants and veggies, you can try making fertilizer with your leftover breast milk. The proteins from breast milk help make the soil nitrogen-rich, making it a great food for your garden. Calcium from breast milk can also serve as an added nutrient boost for your soil too.

How long can breast milk sit after reheating?

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. Never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed.

What to do with leftover warmed up breast milk?

If baby eats often then just pop it back in fridge and reheat for the next feed. Or you can set it aside and use it for milk baths. Although there are so many different guidelines out there I will say that it’s up to you what you feel comfortable doing with your baby.

What to do with bottle baby didn’t finish?

If your baby did not finish the bottle, leftover milk should be used within 2 hours. Wash disassembled pump and feeding parts in a clean basin with soap and water. Do not wash directly in the sink because the germs in the sink could contaminate items. Rinse thoroughly under running water.