Is It Safe to Refreeze Breast Milk? What You Need to Know

Can you refreeze breast milk? Well, you may! But should you? Here's the answer you need to know!

Under certain conditions, it is not possible for mothers to breastfeed their babies directly. Particularly, if you are a working mom, have a medical sensitivity, or are traveling somewhere away from the baby.

So, mothers often express, freeze, and store their breast milk. When stored correctly, most nutrients and antibodies in breast milk are preserved, ensuring your baby receives optimal nutrition. However, the real question is, in any case, can you refreeze the breast milk? Let's talk about it.

A Quick Look at Breastmilk & Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural and nurturing process. Breastmilk, often called 'liquid gold,' is the powerhouse of nutrients. It is rich in proteins, vitamins, calories, fats, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and antibodies that meet the nutritional needs of growing babies.

When You Should Store Breast Milk

When breastfeeding isn't possible or convenient, mothers can consider expressing breastmilk and storing it for later use. Storing milk is a common practice for mothers in these situations. Here are a few such scenarios:

• You are traveling, flying, vacationing, or on a road trip.
• You are sick or on medications that are not safe for direct breastfeeding.
• You are a working mom, often staying away from your baby for long hours.
• You want to support your baby's caregivers and nannies while relaxing or doing important tasks.

In all the listed scenarios (and multiple others), you may need to store the breast milk.

Also Read: When Does Breast Milk Come In?

Quick Tips to Know: Before You Store Breast Milk

When planning to store breast milk, focus on the right approach to preserve the authentic nutritional value for your tiny ones.

• Consider how much milk you need to store, as needs may vary depending on your baby's age and feeding schedule.
• Use sterilized storage containers, such as bottles, storage bags, or plastic containers, for proper storage.

How to Safely Express, Store, and Freeze Breastmilk

It's completely normal to store expressed breast milk for later use. Freezing is one way to protect breast milk from contamination or spoilage. It adds a safety barrier of ice around the milk, preventing microbial growth.

Here's how you can safely express and store breastmilk to maximize its effectiveness for your infant.

1. Pumping: The process of expressing milk is commonly done using a breast pump.
2. Store: For storage, use clean, sanitized frozen storage bags with labels mentioning the date and time of expression.
3. Freeze: Store the milk bags in the refrigerator. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, you can refrigerate breast milk for up to four days. If you want to store it for a longer duration (6-12 months), freeze it under 0°F or -18°C.

Important: Freezing may slightly reduce the antibodies present in the breast milk, but the rest of the nutritional profile remains stable. Try to consume the stored bags as soon as possible.

Also Read: The 3 Types of Breast Milk: Definition Benefits

How to Use Frozen Breast Milk

Once you have frozen the breast milk, you (or your caregiver) can use the bags whenever needed. Here's how you can safely use the breastmilk in your absence.

Step 1: Safely Defrost/Thaw Frozen Breastmilk

For thawing, place the required amount of frozen breast milk in warm or lukewarm water. You can even refrigerate it overnight. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Always thaw the oldest expressed breast milk first, compared to fresher ones.
• Use clean bottles or storage containers for thawing and feeding. 
• Only thaw the amount of milk your baby can consume in one feeding.
• Please don't use a microwave or induction, as it may destroy the nutrients present in the milk.

Step 2: Feed the Baby (Before It Expires)

Yes, you read it right! Breast milk may expire if it is not consumed within the specified time limit.

• When thawed in the refrigerator, consume the milk within 24 hours. 
• If left at room temperature, consume the thawed breastmilk within 2 hours.

Thawed milk may have a different taste and texture compared to freshly expressed milk or fresh milk, and some babies may notice the change. If you need to mix milk from different pumping sessions, only combine milk that is at the same temperature and follow safe handling practices.

Also Read: Colostrum vs Breast Milk: Key Differences You Should Know

Can You Refreeze Breast Milk Already Thawed

Wait, have you thawed the frozen breast milk and still have some left? And, it raises the main question: Can you refreeze thawed milk?

Generally, you should not refreeze previously frozen and thawed breast milk.

Research suggests that this increases the risk of bacterial growth and nutrient loss. It can be potentially dangerous for your child, especially if it is left at room temperature for a long time. Here is the explanation:

• Thawing accelerates the degradation of enzymes and nutrients in breast milk.
• Even in refrigerators, thawed milk can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
• If left at room temperature for longer periods, even refreezing doesn't protect its original nutritional constituents.
• Moreover, refreezing breast milk can disrupt the fat globules, which are essential for an infant's digestive health.

You can also notice this chemical change yourself by observing the physical appearance.

What to Do With the Stored Breastmilk During Power Outages

Power outages can be stressful, especially when you have precious frozen breast milk stored for your baby. Let's be honest, even a short disruption in temperature can impact the quality of your stored milk.

If you're storing breast milk in the refrigerator and the power goes out:

• Try to use it within two hours
• Or discard it to prevent bacterial growth.

For frozen milk, if it thaws but still contains ice crystals, it is generally considered safe to refreeze. However, if the breast milk is completely thawed and no longer feels cold, it should be used within 24 hours or discarded.

What to Do With Expired Breastmilk

If you're observing any change in color, appeal, texture, or odor of the breastmilk, it might be a sign of expiration. You can discard the expired breastmilk, but here are some good uses of it:

• It heals cracked nipples.
• Works best on baby's acne and diaper rashes.
• You can add it to the baby's bath.

Also Read: Can You Get Pregnant with PCOS?

Final Words

Expressing breast milk is totally normal and can be a lifesaver for moms in uncertain times. When you are far away from the baby or can't directly breastfeed them, you can use expressed milk. Even your relatives, caregivers, or friends can use it to feed your baby.

But, once thawed, it's best not to refreeze breast milk due to the risks of bacterial growth and nutrient loss. Remember, your baby's health comes first. When even in a minor doubt, it's better to discard than to risk it.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can you freeze breast milk? 

No, if you have thawed the breast milk, don't refreeze it again. It may affect the nutritional composition, reducing the immunoglobulins, vitamins, and proteins. 

Q2. How to defrost frozen breastmilk? 

Don't use a microwave or induction to defrost frozen breast milk. These methods destroy the nutrients and vitamins in the milk, making it unsafe for babies. Instead, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in warm or lukewarm water.

Q3. How many times can you freeze breast milk?

Only once. Don't freeze the breast milk to ensure the safety and efficacy for your baby.

Q4. Does frozen milk lose nutrients?

No, if you've frozen breast milk for the first time, it won't affect its nutrient profile. 

Q5. What if a baby drinks spoiled breast milk?

Spoiled or degraded breast milk may affect the digestive system of the babies. He may face issues like diarrhea, jaundice, stomach cramps, vomiting, and foodborne illnesses.

Q6. How do I know if breast milk is spoiled? 

If the breast milk is spoiled, you may notice a change in its texture, appearance, and flavor profile. 

Q7. What is the ideal temperature for freezing breastmilk?

The ideal temperature to freeze breast milk is 0°F or -18 °C. This temperature preserves the nutritional value of the milk for the long term, making it safe for the babies.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Breast Milk Storage and Preparation. CDC Breastfeeding Guidelines. [access date: 2025 Sep 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breast-milk-preparation-and-storage/handling-breastmilk.html
   
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Special Considerations for Emergencies | Infant and Child Feeding. CDC Infant Feeding Emergency Toolkit. [access date: 2025 Sep 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/php/special-considerations.html