What do I do with thawed breast milk?

Understanding Thawed Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Thawed breast milk is a precious resource for nursing mothers, providing essential nutrients and antibodies for their babies. However, handling it correctly is crucial to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Here’s a detailed look at what to do with thawed breast milk.
Thawing Process
When it comes to thawing breast milk, the safest method is to place the container in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the milk’s quality and nutritional value. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw it by placing the sealed container under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth and destroy some of the milk’s beneficial nutrients.
Storage After Thawing
Once thawed, breast milk can be stored safely at room temperature for up to two hours. If you choose to refrigerate it, you should use the thawed milk within 24 hours. It’s important to note that if the milk was thawed in the refrigerator, it should not be refrozen. However, if it still contains ice crystals, it can be refrozen, but this should be done with caution.
Using Thawed Breast Milk
When you’re ready to use thawed breast milk, gently swirl the container to mix any separated fat back into the milk. This separation is normal and does not affect the milk’s quality. If your baby is ready to feed, pour the thawed milk into a clean bottle.
Best Practices for Feeding
Always check the temperature of the milk before feeding. You can do this by placing a few drops on your wrist; it should feel warm but not hot. If the milk is too cold, you can warm it by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water or under warm running water. Remember, never microwave breast milk.
Conclusion
Handling thawed breast milk with care ensures that your baby receives the best nutrition possible. By following these guidelines, you can confidently provide your little one with the benefits of breast milk, even after it has been frozen. Always prioritize safety and quality to make the most of this vital resource.

What can I do with unwanted breast milk?

Note: If your stash isn’t expired like mine, please consider donating any and all leftover milk to the HMBANA, which is a network of non-profit milk banks that focus on serving “vulnerable preterm and otherwise fragile infants who need human milk as medicine.”

How long is breastmilk good after being thawed?

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.

Can I refrigerate an unfinished bottle of breastmilk?

You can store expressed breast milk in the refrigerator overnight. Freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, if breast milk is left out at room temperature (above 77°F or 25°C) for more than 4 hours, it should be discarded, as it may spoil.

Can you mix thawed breast milk with refrigerated?

You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or frozen milk. However, thoroughly cool the freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk.

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.

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

Bacteria can grow rapidly in thawed milk, especially if it’s kept at room temperature or if the storage conditions are not optimal. Using the milk within 24 hours minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and ensures the milk is safe for your baby.

What to do if breastmilk is thawed but still cold?

Frozen breast milk that has started to thaw but still contains ice crystals can be refrozen. If your breast milk has completely thawed but still feels cold, put it in the refrigerator and use it within the next day or throw it away. Thawed milk cannot be refrozen. After 24 hours, throw out unused, thawed milk.

How long does milk last after being defrosted?

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.

Can you save breast milk if baby doesn’t finish bottle?

How do I store and serve leftover breast milk? Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts.

What to do with defrosted breast milk?

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.