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When should I dispose of breast milk?

Understanding When to Dispose of Breast Milk
Breast milk is a precious resource for feeding infants, but it’s crucial to know when it’s no longer safe to use. Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain its quality and safety. Here’s a detailed look at the guidelines for disposing of breast milk.
Storage Guidelines
Breast milk can be stored in various ways, depending on how soon it will be used. According to the CDC, freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for about four hours. If refrigerated, it can last for up to four days. For longer storage, breast milk can be frozen, where it remains safe for six months in a standard freezer and up to 12 months in a deep freezer.
Signs of Spoilage
One of the most critical factors in determining whether to dispose of breast milk is recognizing signs of spoilage. Fresh breast milk has a sweet smell, but if it develops a sour odor or shows separation, it may be spoiled. Additionally, if the milk has been stored beyond the recommended time frames, it should be discarded. For instance, milk that has been left out at room temperature for more than four hours or refrigerated for more than four days should not be used.
Special Circumstances
Certain situations also warrant the disposal of breast milk. For example, if a breastfeeding mother undergoes anesthesia, it is generally recommended to discard any milk expressed during that time, as it may contain traces of medication that could affect the baby. Similarly, if a mother is ill or taking medications that are not safe for breastfeeding, it’s advisable to dispose of the milk until she is cleared to breastfeed again.
Best Practices for Disposal
When it comes to disposing of breast milk, it’s important to do so safely. Pouring it down the sink or toilet is acceptable, but it’s best to ensure that it is not accessible to pets or wildlife. If the milk is in a container, it should be cleaned thoroughly afterward to prevent any contamination.
Conclusion
In summary, knowing when to dispose of breast milk is vital for ensuring the health and safety of your baby. By adhering to storage guidelines, recognizing spoilage signs, and understanding special circumstances, parents can make informed decisions about breast milk usage. Always prioritize safety and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt about the quality of stored breast milk.

When should I discard my 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.

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.

When should you dump your breast milk?

There is a good time to pump and dump: when your breasts are too engorged and they are becoming painful. If your baby isn’t hungry and you don’t have a place to store your extra milk for later, there’s no reason to be uncomfortable. Pump until you feel comfortable again, then dispose of the extra milk.

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.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

When should you discard baby milk?

If the formula that you made up at home is stored:

  1. in a fridge – use within 24 hours.
  2. in a cool bag with an ice pack – use within 4 hours.
  3. at room temperature – use within 2 hours.

What is the 555 rule for breast milk?

“Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule,” Pawlowski says. “Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days if in the refrigerator, and five months if in the freezer.”

How long after drinking should you discard breast milk?

A mother may express or pump milk after consuming alcohol to ease her physical discomfort or adhere to her milk expression schedule. If a mother decides to express or pump milk within two hours (per drink) of consuming alcohol, the mother can discard the expressed milk.

What is the 6 6 6 rule for breast milk?

Rule #2: The Breast Milk Storage Guidelines.
Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after baby drinks from it?

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. Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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