Sometimes, freezing breast milk is the best option if you have an oversupply or want to save it for later use. Now, the time has come to use the milk you saved in the freezer, and you may be wondering how to defrost breast milk safely.
Defrosting breast milk safely is crucial to preserve its nutrients and benefits for the baby. Improper milk defrosting could lead to bacteria growth and present a health hazard for your baby.
Why Safe Defrosting of Breast Milk is Essential
If breast milk is defrosted incorrectly, it could lead to bacterial growth, making the milk unsafe for consumption. Another danger of incorrect breast milk defrosting is the quality drops. Improper defrosting could negatively impact the nutrients and antibodies present in breast milk.
To prevent that from happening, it is essential to follow safe defrosting practices.
How to Defrost Breast Milk Safely
To ensure you're using your stored milk at its best quality, always use the oldest milk first. Accurate labeling with dates is essential for using the oldest milk first. For added convenience, some parents use breast milk freshness sensors. Sterile and well-sealed containers should be used to minimize contamination during defrosting.
There are three safe methods for thawing breast milk:
Thawing in the Refrigerator: This is the safest method. Place the milk container or bag in the refrigerator and let it thaw for 12 to 24 hours. Once thawed, use within 24 hours. Swirl the container once it's fully thawed to mix any separated fats.
Using Warm Water: Place the sealed container in a bowl of warm water and let it sit, swirling it occasionally to ensure even thawing. This method typically takes 10-20 minutes.
Using Running Warm Water: Start by placing the sealed container under cool running water, gradually increasing the water temperature until it becomes warm—never use hot water. Swirl and rotate the container for even thawing. This method usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Do not use hot water or any other heat source to defrost breast milk. Using high heat for defrosting decreases the health properties of milk.
Remember to inspect if the temperature is appropriate before you give it to your baby by putting a few drops on your wrist before feeding.
What to Avoid When Defrosting Breast Milk
Do not use a microwave for breast milk thawing. Microwaving breast milk can destroy some of its nutrients and antibodies. It also creates hot spots, which can burn your baby’s mouth.
Like microwaving, using boiling water to defrost breast milk can ruin the good properties of milk.
Never refreeze fully thawed milk. Fully defrosted breast milk should be used up within two hours if left at room temperature. Use it up in the next 24 hours if stored in the refrigerator. Re-freezing breast milk not only leads to a loss in nutritional value but also affects the taste and texture of breast milk.
Tips for Defrosting Breast Milk Safely
To safely defrost frozen breast milk, follow these tips:
Storage Container: Use clean food-grade containers or milk bags.
Milk Portions: Store breast milk in smaller one-feed portions. This way, you shorten the thawing time and avoid leftovers.
Date the Labels: Always date the label on the container to ensure the oldest milk is used first. For even simpler tracking, consider using breast milk freshness sensors.
Storage in the Freezer: Putting the breast milk in the bottom of the freezer ensures a consistent temperature.
Do Not Fill the Container to the Brim: Breast milk expands when frozen. Leave room for it to expand.
Plan the Feedings: Planning your feedings helps ensure that breast milk is always safely defrosted using the refrigerator method.
Use Milk in Time: Correctly stored, frozen breast milk lasts 9 months. Once thawed and left at room temperature, it must be used within two hours. If stored in the refrigerator, use it within 24 hours of defrosting.
FAQs:
What’s the safest way to defrost frozen breast milk?
It is safest to defrost frozen breast milk with the refrigerator method. Put the frozen container of breast milk in the refrigerator and leave it to defrost for 12 to 24 hours.
How can I defrost breast milk quickly and still keep it safe?
To defrost breast milk quickly and safely, use warm water. Either place the container in a bowl of warm water or hold it under warm running water.
Is it okay to use warm water to defrost breast milk?
Yes, use warm water to defrost breast milk safely. Always avoid using hot water.
How long does it take to safely defrost frozen breast milk?
Frozen breast milk safely defrosts in the refrigerator in about 12 to 24 hours. The warm water method takes 10 to 20 minutes, and the running water method takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Can I refreeze breast milk that has been defrosted?
Refreezing fully defrosted breast milk can cause a loss of nutrients and milk quality, along with changes in texture and taste.
Conclusion
By safely defrosting breast milk with the described methods, we ensure the milk retains all its nutritional values and other benefits. We also prevent the spread of bacteria and keep the milk safe for babies' consumption.
By following these guidelines, you ensure you have all the necessary information to make defrosting breast milk a safe and stress-free practice.
