Putting that unfinished bottle of EBM back in the fridge? For how long?

[jess5377]

So, I have some EBM on hand in case I need to go out or I'm just feeling tapped. So, say we put a few ounces in there, give some to her and she's just looking for a snack or she takes a few sucks, isn't that hungry and rejects it. If we put it back in the fridge after she's sucked at the bottle, do the same fridge time rules apply? Or has it been 'contaminated' and need to be dumped/used sooner?

I'm curious about the by-the-book advice on this, but also the real-life of what people actually do because I'm pretty sure that breast milk is pretty hardy and besides, the last thing I want to do is have to dump it.

[mambera]

I think 'the book' says that once the milk is used it shouldn't go beyond the end of the feeding.

That said, I've used 'contaminated' milk up to 24h later with no ill effects.

I have supply issues though. I might not have done that if it weren't so darn hard to come by. Also I probably wouldn't do it with a very young infant, like under 3 months or so.

[cristeen]

I have no idea what the "book" says, but I'm in the stick it back in the fridge camp. Although with my guy, since he only drinks from pouches or bottles (we use donor milk), I just leave it out and go with the 12 hours at room temp rule.

[CookAMH]

Originally Posted by cristeen

I have no idea what the "book" says, but I'm in the stick it back in the fridge camp.

I do this too. I hate throwing out bm. If it was thawed, def. toss after 24 hours but pumped and chilled..I put it back in if there is some leftover.

[PatioGardener]

I'd say 24 hours as well.

[ExuberantDaffodil]

I know for sure that you are not supposed to put formula bottles back in the fridge because of contamination. However, breastmilk has all those living properties that make the shelf life longer. I definitely put unfinished breastmilk back in the fridge. 24 hours is a good bet, too.

[cessation]

I just read something about this because I had the same question. What i read was to keep it room temp and use for the next feeding but if there is any left after that it needs to be dumped.

[mambera]

Originally Posted by CookAMH

I hate throwing out bm.

Actually... if it is partly used and has gone over 24h in the fridge... I drink it.

I figure if DD can't drink it, at least it's going to get recycled!