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To preserve the nutritional qualities of breast milk, rely on gentle thawing … Several thawing techniques exist. It all depends on your organization …
Defrosting in the fridge
This is the ideal method. Just let the container of breast milk thaw for a minimum of 6 hours, or even overnight, in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Check that it is at the recommended temperature of + 4 ° C. Are you tempted to place the bib ‘in the door? Stop there! This place is far from ideal for storing and defrosting breast milk, because it is subject to temperature variations linked to the opening of the fridge.
Once thawed, breast milk can be kept refrigerated for 24 hours. Is it almost time for the bottle? A word of advice: only take out the quantity of milk you need and do not anticipate too much, at the risk of having to throw it out. Any bib ‘taken out of the refrigerated enclosure, or at room temperature, must be drunk within an hour. If Baby has not finished, do not plan to put him back in the fridge or worse still in the freezer. As with frozen foods, you never refreeze a thawed product!
How to Defrost Breast Milk Quickly: Our Tip
Simply place the frozen milk bottle under a hot water faucet. As with a classic bib ‘, give it a good shake and test the temperature by placing a drop on the inside of your wrist before giving it to Baby.
Heating breast milk: no in the microwave!
You are welcome to give Baby a bottle of warm milk. As with express defrosting, heat the bib ‘under a hot water tap, or even in a bain-marie. If you have a bottle warmer, don’t hesitate to use it.
On the other hand, the use of the microwave oven is to be avoided to thaw or heat breast milk. In addition to the risk of burns, this device has a detrimental effect on the composition of milk, going as far as destroying certain nutrients.
Last precaution to take : shake the bottle well to mix the fats, which tend to separate, and check the temperature.
Warning, once warmed, breast milk should be consumed within half an hour. If Baby has not finished, you will need to discard the remaining amount.
Can I mix fresh breast milk and frozen milk?
Do not attempt the experiment of mixing freshly expressed milk with frozen milk. It’s a question of food security …
Note that two milks can be mixed, on condition that they are in the same physical state (cooled in the fridge or at room temperature).