Why is it bad to reheat breast milk?

The Risks of Reheating Breast Milk
Reheating breast milk is a common concern for new parents, and while it may seem convenient, there are significant risks associated with this practice. Understanding these risks is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of infants.
Bacterial Growth and Contamination
One of the primary dangers of reheating breast milk is the increased risk of bacterial growth. When breast milk is warmed, especially if it is done multiple times, it creates an environment conducive to bacteria proliferation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once breast milk has been warmed and then cooled, it should not be reheated again. This is because each cycle of heating and cooling can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, which can pose serious health risks to a vulnerable baby.
Loss of Nutritional Value
Another critical factor to consider is the nutritional degradation that occurs with repeated heating. Breast milk is rich in antibodies and other vital nutrients that support an infant’s immune system and overall health. However, heating breast milk can destroy some of these beneficial properties. For instance, the antibacterial properties of breast milk diminish with heat, which means that reheated milk may not provide the same protective benefits as freshly expressed milk.
Guidelines for Safe Handling
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend strict guidelines for handling breast milk. Once breast milk has been thawed or warmed, it should be used within two hours and should not be refrozen or reheated. This ensures that the milk remains safe for consumption and retains its nutritional integrity. If a baby does not finish a bottle, it is advisable to discard any leftover milk rather than saving it for later use.
Conclusion
In summary, while reheating breast milk may seem like a practical solution for busy parents, the potential health risks—such as bacterial growth and loss of nutritional value—make it a practice best avoided. Following proper storage and handling guidelines is essential to ensure that infants receive the safest and most nutritious feeding possible. By prioritizing these practices, parents can help safeguard their baby’s health and well-being.

How bad is it to reheat breast milk?

More importantly, though, reheating breast milk multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can be harmful to your baby.

Can you reheat breast milk twice according to the CDC?

Can You Reheat Breast Milk Multiple Times? Yes, you can reheat it once, maybe twice. Any more than that, you risk giving your baby spoiled breast milk while also losing its nutritional value.

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.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after warming it up?

Healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants and pediatricians, generally recommend against refrigerating breast milk again once it has been warmed. This is because once breast milk is warmed to a typical feeding temperature, bacterial growth will accelerate.

Why can’t you save reheated breast milk?

Healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants and pediatricians, generally recommend against refrigerating breast milk again once it has been warmed. This is because once breast milk is warmed to a typical feeding temperature, bacterial growth will accelerate.

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 long is breast milk OK for once warmed?

Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours.

Why can’t you heat up breast milk?

Human milk is a living fluid. Microwaving breast milk can destroy valuable immunological components. Microwaving at high temperatures causes a marked decrease in anti-infective properties. Overheating during the warming process causes denaturation and inactivation of milk’s bioactive proteins and decreases fat content.

Is breast milk ruined if it gets too hot?

Microwaves do not heat liquids evenly. Uneven heating could easily scald a baby or damage breast milk. Bottles may explode if left in the microwave too long. Excess heat can destroy the nutrient quality of the expressed breast milk.

Why can’t you reheat breast milk twice?

Never re-refrigerate, refreeze, or reheat breast milk after it’s been heated or exposed to room temperature for more than 2 hours. 2. Reheating breast milk can cause bacteria to grow. If breast milk is exposed to heat beyond 2 hours, it must be disposed of whether or not it has been consumed.