What to do with accidentally thawed breast milk?

Understanding the Risks of Accidentally Thawed Breast Milk
Accidentally thawing breast milk can be a stressful situation for parents, especially when considering the health and safety of their baby. Breast milk is a precious resource, and its proper handling is crucial to prevent any potential health risks. When breast milk is thawed, it enters a temperature range that can promote bacterial growth, which is why understanding what to do next is essential.
What Happens When Breast Milk Thaws?
When breast milk is thawed, it should ideally be used within a specific timeframe to ensure safety. According to guidelines, once breast milk has been thawed, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, if it has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it is generally advised to discard it. This is because bacteria can multiply rapidly in the temperature danger zone, which ranges from 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C).
Assessing the Condition of Thawed Milk
If you find yourself with thawed breast milk, the first step is to assess its condition. If the milk still feels cold to the touch and has been thawed for less than two hours, it is likely safe to use. However, if it has been left out overnight or for an extended period, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. The risk of bacterial contamination increases significantly after prolonged exposure to warmer temperatures.
Safe Practices for Thawed Breast Milk
For parents who are unsure about the safety of their thawed breast milk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides clear guidelines. They recommend that any thawed breast milk that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours should not be consumed. Additionally, once thawed, breast milk should not be refrozen, as this can further compromise its safety and nutritional quality.
If you decide to use the thawed milk, ensure that it is warmed properly. The best method for warming breast milk is to place the container in a bowl of warm water or use a bottle warmer. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may scald your baby.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety
In conclusion, while it can be disheartening to accidentally thaw breast milk, prioritizing your baby’s health is paramount. Always assess the milk’s condition, adhere to safety guidelines, and when in doubt, it’s better to discard the milk than risk your child’s health. By following these practices, parents can ensure that they are providing the safest feeding options for their little ones.

What if baby drinks bad 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 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 is breastmilk good after it is 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?

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 I take breast milk out of the fridge and put it back?

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.

Is frozen milk OK after it thaws?

However, as long as freezing happens on or before the best before date, it is fine to freeze milk and thaw it for later use. The texture of thawed milk may be different from fresh milk, but the solids and liquid usually recombine when a person shakes or blends it.

What to do with breastmilk after thawing?

Use milk within 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator (from the time it is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer). Use thawed milk within 2 hours of bringing to room temperature or warming. Never refreeze thawed milk.

Can I put milk back in the fridge after thawing?

Frozen milk should always be thawed in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, because as soon as it’s warmed above 40 degrees, bacteria can start growing. Even if you put it back in the refrigerator after, it would just slow down the growth of new bacteria, but not kill any bacteria that may already be present.

Can breast milk be warmed up twice?

Breast milk that has been refrigerated or frozen can only be heated once. Never reheat breast milk as this accumulates bacteria the more it is exposed to warmer temperatures. Breast milk that has been heated or brought to room temperature needs to be consumed within 2 hours.

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.