Can I Refreeze my breast milk?
As a mom who has pumped for my own babies and an IBCLC who has worked with thousands of parents, I know just how heartbreaking it can feel to lose even a single ounce of milk. That’s why this question comes up so often:
Can You Refreeze Breast Milk?
The good news is that, yes, sometimes you can. Of course, it’s important to be careful with what you give baby, but when certain conditions are met - you can definitely refreeze.
Here’s what you need to know:
If your milk has started to thaw but still contains ice crystals, it can safely be returned to the freezer. This is especially helpful during power outages or when a cooler with ice packs starts to warm up during travel.
But if your breast milk has fully thawed and is completely liquid, it needs to be used within 24 hours. After that, it shouldn’t be refrozen or saved for infant feeding. Some people will say 48 hours, but 24 hours is what is currently recommended by professional organizations.
A quick reminder: if your baby has already fed from that bottle, it cannot be refrozen or stored again. Once the baby’s saliva touches the milk, bacteria can grow more quickly. It is generally recommended for a baby to consume the milk within two hours or discard it.
What Happens If You Refreeze Breast Milk
Refreezing breast milk isn’t ideal, but it’s usually safe in certain situations. The primary concern is that each freeze-thaw cycle can slightly degrade some of the milk’s immune properties and its fat structure. That means your baby still gets all the calories and nutrients, but a little less of the immune protection fresh milk provides.
Here’s what to know:
If there are still ice crystals in the milk, it’s safe to refreeze. The milk hasn’t fully thawed yet, so bacteria haven’t had time to grow.
If the milk has completely thawed, it should be used within 24 hours and not frozen again.
Never refreeze milk that’s been left out at room temperature. Once milk warms up, bacteria can multiply quickly.
Only refreeze when it’s accidental. Think of it as a backup option for those “oops” moments when your freezer door gets left open, not a routine storage plan.
In summary, refreezing won’t make your milk unsafe if it’s done correctly, but the quality and immune benefits may decline slightly. When possible, use freshly pumped or properly frozen milk for your baby’s consumption.
My Extra Tips for Storing Breast Milk Safely
Over the years, I’ve learned a few practical tricks that can save your hard-earned milk:
Store milk toward the back of your refrigerator freezer, where the temperature stays most stable.
Use ice packs in a cooler if you know you might face delays (like during travel or unexpected power outages).
Freeze milk in small portions - this makes it easier to thaw only what you need and reduces waste. There are some great 1-oz breast milk storage tray options available on Amazon.
Label every bag with the date and time so you always know what’s still safe to use.
Keep an eye on your pump parts - clean, well-maintained equipment helps keep your milk fresher and safer.
If your freezer loses power, don’t panic. Check for ice crystals before throwing anything away.
Invest in a freezer alarm to alert you to temperature changes.
Final Thoughts
Breast milk is previous, and I know how much time and energy goes into every ounce. While refreezing isn’t something to rely on daily, it can be a helpful option in the right situation.
If you ever feel unsure, it’s okay to trust your gut and discard a questionable bag. Your baby’s safety is always the priority. For more detailed guidelines on storing breast milk, visit this article to learn about Breast Milk Storage Guidelines.
Need more support with your breastfeeding journey? Consider booking a virtual consult with our expert team of lactation consultants!
