the milk only thawed out less than an ounce..maybe 5 drops of milk..and i put it back in the freezer...i used this milk to feed my baby yesterday..could this have harmed my baby? Or, could there have been bacterial growth? The milk did not smell spoiled...the only thing i saw was some white pieces floating around..but i assumed it was just milk that didn't thaw it completely..
2007-02-24 06:25:47 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Breastmilk has active antibodies that are lost to some extent during the freezing process. As with other animal-related products, the fats, proteins, vitamin/mineral content, etc. can be altered or damaged during freezing and thawing.
Most likely, nothing bad was able to start growing in your thawed/refrozen breastmilk. It still has antibodies, although lower than the original amount obviously. But in the future, you may just want to *refridgerate* the thawing milk and try to use it within 1-2 days after that. The guidelines for safely storing breastmilk are much longer than they were even 5 or 10 years ago, due to better understanding of its antibacterial properties. Under sterile conditions, it can last up to 8 days, properly refridgerated. This eliminates much of the need for freezing, unless you are storing it for future "just in case" use. Frozen, thawed breastmilk loses some of its longevity, due to the decrease in antibodies, but still should last a good day or two.
Check the website below. It has some fantastic, solid info & guidelines!
2007-02-24 06:52:38 · answer #1 · answered by LaundryGirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on breastfeeding!
I have a 5 month old baby boy who I am breastfeeding, and I used to worry about storing milk properly too... If there is any question about the milk, I know this will sound a little strange, but you can taste and smell it just like you would milk from the store. If it smells rotten or tastes rotten, then it IS. If not, you should be good to go. We had a batch that smelled of plastic from the bottle it was frozen in, and our son fussed and didn't eat it. (I now use Lansinoh storage bags & highly recommend them!)
On a side note - freezing and thawing breastmilk affects the nutrients, so it is best if you can breastfeed or use refrigerated milk instead. I keep my milk in the fridge for 5 days or so before I freeze it usually. If it needs to be used you don't have to go through the hassle of warming frozen that way. The white things you saw were most likely the fat, like the layer that forms at the top of the bottle if you refridgerate it.
I have never refrozen milk, but as long as it smelled okay and your child ate it and does not seem sick, then it was probably fine. If you feel like they might be sick, take a temperature or go have the baby checked out by a doctor just for your peace of mind.
2007-02-24 07:04:56 · answer #2 · answered by Jade 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really stinks to have to throw out any breast milk, its so much work to acquire! I have been in a similar situation, and I threw it out I figured it was best to err on the side of caution. And as for the white pieces floating, it sounds like the fat separation from the rest of the milk. Good luck with the baby and breastfeeding!
2007-02-24 06:37:37 · answer #3 · answered by tayshea143 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should chuck it, even if it only thawed a little you still shouldn't refreeze it. It might still be ok, but is it really worth the risk.
2007-02-25 16:53:09 · answer #4 · answered by Amanda B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was given breast milk when i was a baby and i was told that breast milk should not be frozen;just kept cold;but check with your baby doctor or others; some churches;hospitals and the ywca have baby care classes;check with them;if you got more than one kid and still on the bottle;give to babies;just a funny-give some to dad;father of kids;there are people that only can drink special milks and breast milk;good luck.
2007-02-24 06:46:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yeah, it should be okay! my mom had 4 kids and beleive ME she knows. if the baby isnt drinking as much milk as you saved then buy the for ounce bottle. or if you dont want to take your chances,the mom has an endless supply of bress milk
2007-02-24 06:37:45 · answer #6 · answered by ebonycorine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everything I have read says not to refreeze breastmilk..however...if it was barely thawed im sure you will be ok.
2007-02-24 06:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by angie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe so but it depends on how long its been frozen.
2007-02-24 06:29:46 · answer #8 · answered by bskylue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why take a chance? Throw it away.
2007-02-24 06:30:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋