Why does my breastmilk separate in the fridge?

Understanding Breast Milk Separation in the Fridge
Breastfeeding mothers often encounter a common phenomenon: the separation of breast milk when stored in the refrigerator. This occurrence can be concerning, but it is a natural process rooted in the composition of breast milk itself.
The Science Behind Separation
Breast milk is an emulsion, meaning it contains fat globules suspended in a watery base. When freshly expressed, these fat globules are evenly distributed throughout the milk. However, as the milk sits in the fridge, the fat tends to rise to the top, forming a distinct layer. This separation is similar to how oil floats on water, a principle many remember from science classes. The fat globules, being less dense than the liquid portion of the milk, gradually coalesce and float, leading to the visible separation.
Why It Happens
The primary reason for this separation is the natural composition of breast milk. It contains a variety of components, including fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which can behave differently when stored. The fat in breast milk is particularly sticky, causing it to clump together over time. This is a normal process and does not indicate spoilage or a loss of nutritional value.
What to Do About It
If you notice that your breast milk has separated, there’s no need for alarm. Simply warming the milk gently can help re-emulsify it, blending the fat back into the liquid. This can be done by placing the container in warm water or using a bottle warmer. It’s important to avoid boiling the milk, as high temperatures can destroy some of its beneficial properties.
Storage Tips
To minimize separation, proper storage techniques are essential. Always store breast milk in clean, airtight containers, and try to use it within a few days if refrigerated. If you plan to store it for longer, freezing is a better option, as it can preserve the milk’s quality for several months.
In conclusion, the separation of breast milk in the fridge is a normal and harmless occurrence. Understanding this process can help alleviate concerns and ensure that mothers feel confident in the safety and quality of their expressed milk.

Why is my milk separating in the fridge?

If the milk is not properly stored at the correct temperature, it can curdle before its use-by date. The warmest spot in your fridge is typically the refrigerator door, so storing milk there can lead to temperature fluctuations and curdling (2).

How do you know if breast milk is bad in the fridge?

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.

Why does my refrigerated breast milk look curdled?

The “curdled” part is likely just fat separated, which happens to all breastmilk when chilled. Just gently swirl it in the bottle for like 30 seconds until all the fat mixes back in. The smell is what may be concerning. A metallic, soapy, or sweet smell is normal, but a very sour smell is not.

What number should my fridge be on?

Fridge temperature settings are generally numbered from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. A fully stocked fridge may need to be set to a higher setting (around 3 or 4), whereas one with more space is best suited to temperature setting 2 or 3.

Is it normal for breast milk to separate?

It will stay colder that way. Know that it’s normal for breast milk to be different colors, depending on what you ate. It’s also normal for the fatty part of the milk to separate. You can gently mix it back in when thawing/warming the milk.

How to keep breast milk from separating in the fridge?

How can I prevent milk from separating in the fridge? Store breastmilk in the very back of the fridge. Use the perfect glass jug to store milk in the fridge. Place your milk items towards the back of the shelves.

Is it normal for breastmilk to separate in the fridge?

When breastmilk is refrigerated it is completely normal for the Fat of the breastmilk to separate. Sometimes it will rise the top bottle and other times it can look like pieces floating in the milk. This is all a normal process! Think about salad dressing… the oil always rises to the top (oil is fat)

How to stop breast milk from separating?

Sometimes the defrosted breast milk may separate into a watery and a creamy part. If this happens, gently shake the storage bottle to mix it up again. Once the milk has thawed, give it to your baby within 24 hours. Don’t defrost breast milk at room temperature or in a microwave oven.

Is it OK for breastmilk to separate?

Many moms notice the breastmilk in their refrigerator looks blue, yellow or brown and wonder if something is wrong. That is normal—the color of breastmilk can be different depending on the foods you eat. It is also normal for breastmilk to separate so that the fatty part of the milk rises to the top.

What is the best thing to store breast milk in the fridge?

Before expressing or handling breast milk, wash your hands with soap and water. Then store the expressed milk in a clean, capped food-grade glass container or hard plastic container that’s not made with the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). You can also use special plastic bags designed for milk collection and storage.