Are you a breastfeeding mom looking for the answer to an important question: Can I freeze breast milk that’s been in the fridge? With all of the complexities of motherhood, this one can be especially tricky – after all, it’s only natural for us to want to make sure we are doing what’s best for our babies.
Well if you’re wondering about freezing breastmilk that’s been in the fridge, I’m here to tell you- yes! You can do it. Here in this article, I’ll explain why and give you step-by-step instructions on how you can safely store your pumped breast milk while keeping them fresh and safe for your little one. We’ll also look at frequently asked questions and important safety tips that every nursing mom should know. So let’s get started!
How long can breast milk be stored in the fridge?
Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to four days at a temperature of 39°F (4°C) or lower. However, it is recommended to use refrigerated breast milk within three days for optimal freshness and nutrient retention. If you need to store breast milk for longer periods, freezing is a better option. In the freezer compartment of a refrigerator with separate doors, breast milk can be frozen for up to six months. In a deep freeze with consistent temperatures of 0°F (-18°C) or lower, it can be kept frozen for up to twelve months without losing its quality and nutrition. When storing breast milk, make sure to label the container with the date and time it was expressed so that you know when it needs to be used or discarded. By following these guidelines, mothers can ensure their babies receive safe and nutritious breast milk even when they are away from home or have an oversupply that needs storage.
Can breast milk that’s been refrigerated be frozen?
Yes, breast milk that has been refrigerated can be frozen as long as it is done within a certain timeframe. The general recommendation is to use refrigerated breast milk within four days of pumping, and if you wish to freeze it, do so within this time frame. Studies have shown that freezing does not significantly reduce the nutritional value of breast milk, and it remains a good source of nutrition for babies even after being frozen. However, there are some guidelines to follow when handling and thawing frozen breast milk to ensure its safety and quality. It’s recommended to store frozen breast milk in small amounts (two ounces or less) to avoid waste, and always thaw it by placing it in the refrigerator or warm water rather than using a microwave. By following these guidelines, parents can safely store their breast milk for later use without compromising its nutritional value or safety.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen breast milk?
The best way to thaw frozen breast milk is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or under running warm water. It is important to never use hot water or microwave to thaw as this can destroy important nutrients and immune properties in the milk. Once it’s fully thawed, gently swirl the container to mix any separated fat layers back into the milk. Avoid shaking vigorously, as this can damage some of the beneficial components found in breast milk. Additionally, do not refreeze previously frozen breastmilk again as doing so increases its risk for bacterial contamination and spoilage. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your baby receives all of the amazing benefits of your breast milk while avoiding potential risks associated with improper handling and storage techniques.
Are there any risks to freezing breast milk?
Yes, there are risks to freezing breast milk. Although human milk can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to five days, frozen breast milk has a shorter shelf life of only two weeks in a regular freezer and six months in a deep freezer. If the temperature fluctuations occur within the recommended storage period, some vitamins and immune factors may degrade over time, reducing the quality of the breastmilk. Furthermore, if you mix fresh milk with previously expressed or thawed out milk that was not properly heated within 24 hours of being refrigerated or at any point during defrosting process it could lead to contamination from bacteria such as E.coli or Salmonella which would pose health risks for your infant. In addition to this, research shows that repeated cycles of freeze-thawing can result in damage to beneficial proteins present particularly those responsible for antimicrobial activity leading to decreased effectiveness against pathogens when compared with fresh maternal material.
How can I tell if my breast milk has gone bad?
The first sign that your breast milk has gone bad is a sour or rancid odor. Sometimes the milk may also have a yellowish color, which indicates that it’s been sitting too long in the fridge or freezer. If you’re unsure about whether your breast milk has gone bad, you can perform a simple sniff test.
According to research from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), fresh breast milk stored at room temperature can last up to four hours. When refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, it can last up to four days. If frozen and kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower, it can stay fresh for six months or more.
To ensure your baby receives the best nutrition possible from your breast milk, store it properly and always check its freshness before use. Use clean bottles and pumps when handling and storing expressed milk to avoid contamination with bacteria that could cause illness. By taking these precautions and following guidelines for storage times, you can feel confident in feeding your baby safe and healthy breastmilk!
Can I mix freshly pumped breast milk with milk that’s been in the fridge?
Yes, you can mix freshly pumped breast milk with milk that’s been in the fridge. However, it is important to make sure that the milk has been stored properly and is not expired before mixing them together. Studies have shown that mixing fresh and refrigerated breast milk does not affect the nutritional value or safety of the milk. Additionally, it is recommended to mix small amounts at a time and label your containers with the date to ensure freshness and avoid waste. If you are unsure about any aspect of storing or using breast milk, consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Is it safe to refreeze breast milk that’s been thawed?
It is generally safe to refreeze breast milk that has been thawed as long as it has not been left at room temperature for too long. The quality of the milk may decrease with each freeze-thaw cycle, but it is still safe to consume. However, it is important to handle breast milk properly to ensure its safety and nutritional value. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends thawing breast milk in the refrigerator or under running cool water and using it within 24 hours after thawing. Breast milk should never be microwaved or boiled as this can destroy valuable nutrients and antibodies. Additionally, if there are any signs of spoilage such as a sour smell or curdling, the breast milk should be discarded rather than refrozen or consumed.
How should I label and store breast milk in the freezer?
It is important to properly label and store breast milk in the freezer to ensure its safety and freshness. Labeling should include the date of expression, amount, and name of the baby. Use a permanent marker or labels that are specifically designed for freezing breast milk.
When storing breast milk, it is recommended to use storage bags or containers made specifically for this purpose. Glass bottles can also be used but must be tempered for freezer use. Avoid using plastic bags that are not intended for breast milk storage as they may leak or break down in the freezer.
It is best to freeze breast milk as soon as possible after expression and store it towards the back of the freezer where temperatures are more consistent. It can be stored up to 6 months in a standard freezer and up to 12 months in deep-freeze conditions (-20 degrees Celsius).
Proper labeling and storage techniques can help ensure your baby receives safe, fresh breast milk even when you’re not available!
Can I store breast milk in glass containers for freezing?
Yes, breast milk can be stored in glass containers for freezing. It is important to use containers specifically designed for storing breast milk and to leave enough room at the top of the container for the milk to expand as it freezes. Glass containers are a good option because they do not contain any harmful chemicals and are easy to clean and sterilize. In fact, research has shown that glass storage bottles may help reduce bacterial growth compared to plastic ones (Rasmussen et al., 2010). However, it is important to note that glass can break if dropped or exposed to rapid temperature changes, so care should be taken when handling frozen breast milk in glass containers. Overall, using proper storage techniques and equipment is crucial for preserving the quality and safety of breast milk for your baby’s consumption.
Reference:
Rasmussen KM, Geraghty SR. The quiet revolution: breastfeeding transformed with the use of breast pumps. Am J Public Health. 2010;100(8):1356-1359. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2009 .184093
What’s the best way to transport frozen breast milk?
Transporting frozen breast milk can be a challenge, but there are ways to ensure it remains frozen during transit. The best way is to use an insulated cooler bag with ice packs or dry ice. This will keep the milk at a constant temperature of 0°F to -4°F (-18°C to -20°C). Make sure the bags of milk are tightly packed and insulated from each other and from the sides of the cooler. If using dry ice, wrap it in paper towels or newspaper so that it doesn’t come into direct contact with the milk as this could cause freezer burn. It’s important to label your breast milk with your name, date expressed, and number of ounces before placing them in sealed plastic bags for transport. Remember not to refreeze thawed breastmilk as this can compromise its nutritional value.
– Use an Insulated Cooler Bag
– Keep Frozen Milk Between 0° F and -4° F
– Label Your Milk Before Transporting
Related Content
If you found this post useful, you may also like can i mix breastmilk and formula. There is a lot to learn about can i freeze breast milk thats been in the fridge hopefully, this post on can i mix breast milk from two different days is useful! Another post you’ll find interesting is can i mix formula and breastmilk in the same bottle.
