Proper handling and storage of breast milk are important to maintain its quality and ensure its safety for consumption. Understanding the guidelines for storing thawed breast milk helps to preserve its beneficial properties and prevents potential health risks for the baby.
Safe Storage Times for Thawed Breast Milk
Once breast milk has been frozen and then thawed, its storage guidelines change compared to freshly expressed milk. If thawed in the refrigerator, breast milk should be used within 24 hours. This 24-hour period begins when the milk is completely thawed, not when it is first removed from the freezer.
Thawed breast milk left at room temperature should be used within one to two hours. This shorter duration helps to minimize bacterial growth, which can compromise the milk’s safety and nutritional integrity. Microwaving thawed milk is not advised as it can create hot spots and diminish beneficial properties.
After a baby starts feeding from a bottle, any leftover thawed breast milk should be used within two hours and then discarded. This helps prevent the transfer and multiplication of bacteria from the baby’s mouth into the milk. Storing milk in small portions can help reduce waste.
Can You Re-Freeze Thawed Breast Milk?
Re-freezing breast milk after it has fully thawed is generally not recommended. Each freezing and thawing cycle has the potential to degrade the milk’s nutritional content and immunological properties.
The thawing process can also allow bacteria to multiply. Re-freezing milk that has fully thawed and been at a warmer temperature could lead to a significant increase in bacterial growth, posing a risk to the baby’s health. Additionally, refreezing can alter the milk’s taste and texture, potentially making it less appealing to an infant.
An exception exists if the breast milk has only partially thawed and still contains ice crystals. In such cases, it may be possible to refreeze it safely. This is because the presence of ice crystals indicates that the milk has largely remained at a cold enough temperature to inhibit significant bacterial growth. However, if the milk has completely liquefied, it should not be refrozen.
Signs That Thawed Breast Milk Has Spoiled
Even when following storage guidelines, it is helpful to recognize signs that thawed breast milk may have spoiled. One primary indicator is a change in its scent. Fresh breast milk has a mild or slightly sweet aroma, but spoiled milk may develop a sour, rancid, or fishy odor.
Visual cues can also suggest spoilage. While it is normal for breast milk to separate into layers, these layers should mix back together easily with a gentle swirl. If the milk remains separated, appears clumpy, or has visible chunks, it may be spoiled. Unusual colors, such as a yellowish, brownish, green, or orange tint, are also signs that the milk should not be used.
In addition to smell and appearance, taste can indicate spoilage. If the milk tastes distinctly sour, bitter, or rancid, it has likely gone bad. When there is any doubt about the milk’s quality, it is safest to discard it to protect the baby’s health.