Reusing expressed milk

I pumped more than DS wanted with this last feeding. He left 2 oz. in the bottle. Can I reuse these 2 oz. for his next feeding if I put it in the fridge until then? I hate to waste it. Thanks.

Re: Reusing expressed milk

I don't know the exact answer. But, was it heated up first? I wouldn't heat, serve, then put back in the fridge to heat again. Call your Dr on that one, it's a good question.

Re: Reusing expressed milk

Re: Reusing expressed milk

It's totally fine to use later. Fresh BM has natural antibacterial properties in it, so it will be safe to use later.

Now, thawed milk is a different story and should always be used only once.

Re: Reusing expressed milk

Re: Reusing expressed milk

for fresh milk, even if you've heated it once, you can put it back in the fridge and use it for the next feeding. after that, discard it. i got this "rule" from my LC.

ETA: i've been doing this for 4.5 months, no problems

Message edited 3/1/2008 3:23:51 PM.

Re: Reusing expressed milk

I 've been bfing for 6 months and I always dump the leftover milk in the bottle , just to be safe.

Re: Reusing expressed milk

i don't think so.

I believe i read that they have bacteria in the mouth - thus you can't reuse left over milk.

Re: Reusing expressed milk

If its in the same bottle, my vote is no. sorry

Re: Reusing expressed milk

Re: Reusing expressed milk

Re: Reusing expressed milk

Once again~ the antibacterial properties in the fresh breast milk will kill off the bacteria from the baby's mouth.

Thawed BM has had the antibacterial properties killed off (from being frozen), so then it is not safe.

Do not waste that fresh liquid gold.

Reusing BM

Message edited 3/1/2008 4:36:27 PM.

Re: Reusing expressed milk

It should be fine if you use it at the next feeding. I always saved what was left in the bottle & used it within a few hours. The LC at the hospital told me that was just fine. It can't be frozen & it shouldn't stay in the fridge for more than 24 hours.

Re: Reusing expressed milk

I thought you would find this helpful: BABYFIT.COM
Because bacteria from the baby's mouth can get into the milk, NEVER store and reuse a bottle of breast milk once your baby has been fed from that bottle. The bacteria can multiply and then make your baby sick.
Breast milk should be stored in small amounts. For infants 1-3 months old, store in 2 to 4 ounce portions. For older infants, 4 to 6 ounce portions can be used. This will help avoid wasting unused breast milk after feedings.
Never pour body-temperature milk on the top of frozen milk. This could partially thaw the frozen milk and allow bacteria to grow. Instead, chill the breast milk and then add it to a container of already-frozen milk.
Frozen breast milk can be thawed in the refrigerator, under warm running water from the faucet, or in a bowl of warm water.
To warm breast milk, run lukewarm tap water over the bottle of milk or place it in a bowl of warm water. This will take the chill off the milk. Before feeding the breast milk, gently shake the container to ensure an even temperature and to mix the layers. It is common for breast milk to separate during storage. Use the breast milk within 24 hours and never refreeze it.
Do not thaw or heat breast milk in a pan on the stove or in the microwave. Do not boil the breast milk. High heating temperatures (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) can destroy nutrients and protective properties of the milk.

Message edited 3/2/2008 10:53:56 PM.