Yes, breast milk can be successfully refrozen after thawing. However, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure safety and quality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast milk should be refrozen immediately if it still has ice crystals and is at a safe temperature, usually around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. If the milk has been fully thawed, it cannot be refrozen.
To properly refreeze breast milk, pour the thawed milk into clean, labeled storage containers, and store them in the back of the freezer or in a deep freeze. It's best to freeze milk within 24 hours of thawing to maintain nutritional quality and avoid bacterial growth. Refreezing breast milk can extend its shelf life, often up to 12 months if stored in a deep freezer.
However, there are some risks associated with refrreezing breast milk. Each time the milk goes through the freezing and thawing process, there is a possibility of a loss in nutritional quality and immunological properties. Additionally, bacteria that may have grown during the initial thawing process can survive and continue to grow once the milk is thawed, leading to spoilage or contamination. The taste and texture of the milk may also be affected by repeated freezing and thawing.
If you have concerns about the quality of your refrozen breast milk, you can always strain the ice crystals and refreeze only the thawed milk, discarding any remaining milk that may have been compromised. It's also a good idea to limit the number of times you refreeze breast milk to minimize the loss of nutritional value and impact on taste and texture., while breast milk can be safely refrozen after thawing, it's important to follow proper storage and handling Guidelines to maintain its quality and safety. By understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can feel confident about refreezing yourbreast milk when necessary.
