Why cant you refreeze breastmilk?

Understanding the Refreezing of Breastmilk
Breastmilk is a vital source of nutrition for infants, providing not just essential nutrients but also antibodies that help protect against infections. However, the handling and storage of breastmilk require careful consideration, particularly when it comes to the issue of refreezing.
The Science Behind Freezing Breastmilk
When breastmilk is frozen, the process preserves its nutritional content and protective properties. However, once it has been thawed, the dynamics change significantly. The primary concern with refreezing breastmilk lies in the potential for bacterial growth and nutrient degradation.
1. Bacterial Growth: According to guidelines from health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once breastmilk is thawed, it enters a window where bacteria can proliferate. This is particularly risky if the milk has been thawed at room temperature, as warmer temperatures can accelerate bacterial growth. Refreezing milk that has already been thawed could lead to increased bacterial levels, posing a health risk to the infant.
2. Nutritional Degradation: Thawing and refreezing breastmilk can also impact its quality. The process of freezing and thawing can degrade some of the milk’s nutrients, particularly vitamins and antibodies that are crucial for a baby’s development. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can significantly diminish these beneficial components.
Guidelines for Safe Breastmilk Storage
To ensure the safety and integrity of breastmilk, caregivers should adhere to recommended storage practices:
– Initial Freezing: Freshly expressed breastmilk can be safely frozen for up to six months in a standard freezer, and up to 12 months in a deep freezer.
– Thawing: When thawing breastmilk, it is best to do so in the refrigerator, under running cool water, or in a warm water bath. Once thawed, it should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours.
– One-Time Use: Thawed breastmilk should ideally be consumed or discarded within 24 hours if stored in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
In summary, while the temptation to refreeze thawed breastmilk may exist for convenience or to avoid waste, the potential health risks associated with bacterial growth and nutrient loss make this practice inadvisable. By following proper storage guidelines, caregivers can ensure that breastmilk remains a safe and nutritious option for feeding their infants.

Why should you not refreeze after thawing?

First of all, the quality of any food is affected when you freeze it for a second time. That’s because slow freezing introduces large ice crystals that damage the cells of the food once it’s thawed — the culprit behind “mushy” meat or fish.

What happens if you freeze milk twice?

Most people worry about the food safety of thawing and refreezing, but as long as it’s done right, it’s perfectly safe. The only risk you’ll take is ruining the taste and texture of the food.

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.

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.

Can you freeze breast milk more than once?

More research is needed on whether previously frozen milk that’s been thawed can be frozen again and safely used. However, many experts recommend discarding thawed milk that isn’t used within 24 hours.

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.

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.

Why is it bad to refreeze after thawing?

You can safely refreeze frozen food that has thawed—raw or cooked, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through thawing. To safely refreeze, the thawed product must have been kept cold at 40 degrees or below for no more than 3-4 days.

What happens if you refreeze thawed breast milk?

• Refreezing breast milk that has been previously thawed can alter the composition and quality of the milk.
• Furthermore, refreezing breast milk can also increase the risk of bacterial growth and contamination, as the process of thawing and refreezing can create an environment that is favorable for bacterial growth.

Is it OK if milk freezes and then 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.