What happens when breast milk is frozen?

The Science of Freezing Breast Milk
When breast milk is frozen, several significant changes occur that are important for parents to understand. One of the most notable alterations is the expansion of the milk as it freezes. This expansion means that containers should not be filled to the brim, as the liquid will take up more space in its solid state, potentially leading to overflow.
Nutritional Integrity
A common concern among parents is whether frozen breast milk retains its nutritional value. Research indicates that while previously frozen breast milk does experience some loss of nutrients and antibodies, it still maintains a similar nutrient profile to fresh milk. The key to preserving its nutritional quality lies in the methods used for freezing and thawing. Proper techniques can help minimize nutrient loss, ensuring that the milk remains a valuable source of nutrition for infants.
Storage Guidelines
For optimal safety and quality, breast milk should be stored in appropriate containers designed for freezing. These can include breast milk storage bags or hard plastic containers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that breast milk can be safely stored in a standard freezer for up to six to twelve months, depending on the freezer’s temperature. However, it is advised that milk be used within nine months for the best quality, as it begins to lose vital nutrients after this period.
Thawing and Usage
When it comes to thawing frozen breast milk, it is crucial to do so safely. The CDC advises against using a microwave, as this can create hot spots that may scald a baby. Instead, parents should thaw milk in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water. Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours and should not be refrozen.
Conclusion
In summary, freezing breast milk is a practical solution for many parents, allowing them to store this vital resource for later use. While the freezing process does alter the milk’s physical state and can lead to some nutrient loss, with proper storage and thawing techniques, frozen breast milk remains a nutritious option for feeding infants. Understanding these aspects can help parents make informed decisions about how to best provide for their babies’ nutritional needs.

Does breast milk go bad if frozen?

Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best. Count the age of the milk from the first time it was frozen, regardless of when it was moved. Moving frozen breast milk between freezer locations should be done quickly to ensure that the milk stays frozen.

What happens if a baby drinks bad breast milk?

Can babies get sick from old breast milk? If your baby has had spoiled breast milk, they’ll likely let you know. They may throw up, or have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever. It’s important to call your pediatrician if you think your baby may be sick from having spoiled breast milk.

What are the disadvantages of frozen breast milk?

Some of the immune enhancing properties of breastmilk are decreased over time when milk is frozen. However, the risk of bacterial contamination of milk that has been kept in the refrigerator too long and not frozen, far outweighs the downside of freezing milk.

Does frozen breastmilk lose its antibodies?

Thaw milk in the refrigerator or in warm water just before feeding. Thawed milk must be used within 24 hours. Note: freezing breastmilk destroys some of its antibodies.

Does freezing breast milk affect quality?

Previously frozen breast milk has similar nutrient and antibody content to fresh milk. It does lose a small amount of those qualities but can still provide a baby with the nutrition it needs.

Does freezing breast milk destroy antibodies?

Remember to label the breast milk with the date that you pumped it. Thaw milk in the refrigerator or in warm water just before feeding. Thawed milk must be used within 24 hours. Note: freezing breastmilk destroys some of its antibodies.

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 long is breastmilk good after thawed?

within 24 hours
Using thawed breastmilk
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.

What happens if breast milk is partially thawed?

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 is breastmilk good after you unfreeze it?

within 24 hours
Using thawed breastmilk
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.