Leftover Breastmilk question...

Is it ok to store a bottle half used in the refrigerator for use for the same day? Alot of the books I have say no, but I would think if DD took 1/2 bottle at 12:00 then finishing the same bottle at 4:00 would be ok?

thanks mommies!

Re: Leftover Breastmilk question...

I kept leftover BM in the frridge for ages...I think it would be fine. I totally was crap with following all those guidelines and my kid is still alive! So theres proof!!!

Re: Leftover Breastmilk question...

I just found this online:

Question- I am pumping now because the baby will not latch on. My question is if she acts like she's hungry I warm up about 2 ounces, she may drink .5 oz then fall asleep. Can I save the remaining breast milk or is it considered "no good" and must be dumped. In addition, if the milk has been warmed up but not used and the baby goes to sleep can it be put back in the refrigerator to be reheated and used later? Thank you.

Answer- Whether you can use the remaining milk really depends on how long it sits around. Once the baby takes the bottle, there is a certain amount of saliva that gets in the bottle that creates bacteria and gets saliva enzymes in the milk. This is why it isn't good to give milk that has been sitting around. But, if it sits for only a half hour or so, this is fine.

If the milk is warmed up but not used, it is OK to reheat the milk once. But the more you reheat the more you decrease some of the valuable immunologic properties of the milk. Human milk is liquid gold, so we don't want to throw any more away than we absolutely have to. You may try making smaller bottles (say 1 ounce rather than 2 ounces) if your baby consistently seems to drink less. You can always give a second bottle at one feeding if she still seems hungry.

Re: Leftover Breastmilk question...

I have reused the milk within two to three hours, but never past that. Usually when he falls asleep drinking, but then wakes up in an hour or so and wants more. But the books say to throw it away after an hour.