When should you not use frozen breast milk?

Understanding When Not to Use Frozen Breast Milk
Frozen breast milk is a valuable resource for nursing mothers, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to infants. However, there are specific circumstances under which using frozen breast milk may not be advisable. Understanding these situations is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of your baby.
1. Expired Storage Time
One of the primary reasons to avoid using frozen breast milk is if it has been stored for too long. While guidelines vary, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that frozen breast milk should ideally be used within six months for best quality, although it can be stored for up to 12 months in a deep freezer. If the milk has been frozen beyond these time frames, it may not only lose nutritional value but could also pose a risk of bacterial growth.
2. Improper Thawing Methods
Thawing breast milk improperly can lead to safety concerns. It is essential to thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator, under running warm water, or in a bowl of warm water. Using a microwave or boiling water to thaw breast milk is discouraged, as these methods can create hot spots that may scald the baby and can also destroy some of the beneficial nutrients in the milk. If the milk has been thawed using unsafe methods, it should not be used.
3. Signs of Spoilage
Before using any breast milk, it is crucial to check for signs of spoilage. If the milk smells sour or has an unusual appearance, it should not be fed to the baby. Freshly expressed milk can sometimes spoil even when frozen, especially if it was not stored correctly before freezing. Always perform a sensory check before using thawed milk.
4. Baby’s Health Conditions
Certain health conditions in infants may also dictate when not to use frozen breast milk. For example, if a baby has been diagnosed with a specific allergy or intolerance, such as a dairy allergy, it is essential to consult with a pediatrician before using any stored milk. Additionally, if the baby is ill or has a compromised immune system, it may be safer to use freshly expressed milk to ensure the highest quality and safety.
5. Reusing Thawed Milk
Once breast milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen or stored for later use. The CDC advises that thawed breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but any leftover milk after a feeding should be discarded. This is to prevent the growth of bacteria that can occur when milk is repeatedly thawed and refrozen.
Conclusion
While frozen breast milk can be a lifesaver for many nursing mothers, it is essential to be mindful of the conditions under which it should not be used. By adhering to proper storage guidelines, being vigilant about spoilage, and considering the health of the infant, parents can ensure that they are providing the safest and most nutritious options for their babies. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding breast milk storage and usage.

What happens if 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.

How long is breastmilk good for after defrosting from freezer?

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 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.

How do I know if my baby’s breast milk is bad?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

When not to use frozen breast milk?

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.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

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.

How do you know if frozen breast milk is still good?

Do a lipase test on your stored breastmilk! The sooner you do this the better! Thaw a frozen bag of breastmilk to see if it has a soapy or metallic smell/taste. Try feeding it to your baby and see if they drink it.

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.

How to tell if breast milk has high lipase?

The longer milk is kept at room temperature or even in the refrigerator before being frozen, the more lipase activity it will have. Milk that has a high level of lipase can develop a soapy smell and taste, but is not harmful to the baby.