How to defrost breast milk: scientific methods and precautions
Breast milk is the most natural and nutritious food for babies, but for busy moms, freezing breast milk is a common choice. How to defrost breast milk correctly to ensure that its nutrients are not lost and is safe and hygienic is a concern of many mothers. This article will introduce in detail the scientific methods, precautions and common misunderstandings of thawing breast milk.
1. Common methods of thawing breast milk
There are three main methods for thawing breast milk: refrigerated thawing, warm water thawing and running water thawing. Here is a comparison of their pros and cons:
| Thawing method | Operation steps | time required | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated and thawed | Place frozen breast milk in the refrigerator compartment (below 4°C) | about 12 hours | Safest, but time consuming |
| Warm water to thaw | Soak frozen breast milk in warm water below 37°C | About 20-30 minutes | Avoid water temperatures that are too high to destroy nutrients |
| Running water thawing | Rinse frozen breast milk bags under running cold water | About 10-15 minutes | Fast but wasteful of water |
2. Precautions for thawing breast milk
1.Avoid high temperature thawing: High temperature will destroy the immunoglobulins and enzyme active ingredients in breast milk, so do not use a microwave oven or boiling water to thaw.
2.Use as soon as possible after thawing: Thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours and cannot be frozen again.
3.Delamination is normal: Fat stratification may appear in breast milk after thawing. Shake gently to mix evenly.
4.Check the smell: Normally thawed breast milk has a light fishy smell. If it smells sour, it may have gone bad.
3. Common misunderstandings about thawing breast milk
| Misunderstanding | scientific explanation |
|---|---|
| Microwave defrosting is more convenient | Microwave heating can cause nutrient loss and uneven heating |
| Frozen breast milk has no nutrients | Properly frozen breast milk loses no more than 10% of its nutrients. |
| Can be frozen and thawed repeatedly | Repeated freezing and thawing will accelerate the growth of bacteria |
4. Breast milk storage time reference
The shelf life of breast milk varies under different storage conditions:
| Save method | temperature | save time |
|---|---|---|
| room temperature | Below 25°C | 4 hours |
| Refrigerated | Below 4°C | 4 days |
| Freezing (domestic refrigerator) | -18°C | 3-6 months |
| deep freeze | Below -20°C | 12 months |
5. Feeding recommendations for thawing breast milk
1.temperature control: Before feeding, the bottle can be heated in warm water at 40°C. Avoid overheating.
2.Feeding order: Follow the "first in, first out" principle and use the breast milk stored earlier first.
3.Observe reaction: Pay attention to your baby's acceptance of thawed breast milk. A few babies may prefer fresh breast milk.
4.remaining processing: Thawed breast milk that your baby has not finished drinking should be discarded within 2 hours.
Conclusion
Properly thawing breast milk is key to ensuring your baby receives complete nutrition. Mastering scientific methods and avoiding common misunderstandings can maximize the value of precious breast milk. It is recommended that mothers choose the appropriate defrosting method according to their own conditions and strictly follow hygiene regulations. If you have any special questions, you should consult a professional physician or lactation consultant in time.
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