Breastfeeding Concerns: Safe Practices and Vaccine Side Effects for Infants

Breastfeeding issues

Hello, my baby is currently three months old.
Previously, he was breastfed with my aunt's milk for a month and a half, but later, due to a decrease in her milk supply, my child switched to Similac (he has been on formula for over half a month now).
However, today my aunt brought a lot of frozen breast milk.
Can I warm it up and give it to him, or should I avoid it? What is the shelf life of expressed breast milk? Is it acceptable to thaw it and then refreeze it? Which vaccine is less likely to cause a fever? Also, between the DTaP (three-in-one), pentavalent (five-in-one), and hexavalent (six-in-one) vaccines, which one has fewer side effects and is less likely to cause a fever?

f9032, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/04

Dr. Chen Rongtai reply Pediatrics

The letter mentions issues related to breastfeeding.
Although formula feeding has been adopted for over half a month, it is still recommended to continue breastfeeding.
Regarding storage times, breast milk can be stored at room temperature (25 degrees Celsius) for up to eight hours, in the refrigerator (0 to 4 degrees Celsius) for up to five days, and in the freezer (negative 20 degrees Celsius) for three to six months.
It is advisable to avoid placing breast milk in the refrigerator door and instead store it in the main compartment to minimize temperature fluctuations caused by opening and closing the door.
For breast milk thawed at room temperature, it is best to use it within the same feeding and not to refreeze it.
Concerning the side effects of the combination vaccines (such as the DTaP, pentavalent, or hexavalent vaccines), based on personal experience, using the newer (non-whole cell) vaccines tends to significantly reduce both common local symptoms (redness, swelling, heat, pain) and systemic symptoms (fever or irritability) compared to traditional vaccines.

Reply Date: 2006/07/04

More Info

When it comes to breastfeeding and the safety of infant nutrition, there are several important considerations to keep in mind, especially regarding the use of expressed breast milk and the potential side effects of vaccinations.

Firstly, regarding the use of frozen breast milk from your aunt, it is generally safe to use as long as it has been properly stored and thawed. Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, although using it within three months is ideal for maintaining its nutritional quality. When thawing frozen breast milk, it is best to do so in the refrigerator or by placing the container under warm running water. Once thawed, breast milk should not be refrozen. If you have thawed breast milk and then placed it back in the refrigerator, it should be used within 24 hours.
As for the question of whether your baby can drink the thawed milk, it is safe to warm it up and feed it to your baby, provided it has been thawed correctly and has not been left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Always check the milk for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual color, before feeding it to your baby.

Now, regarding vaccinations, it is understandable to be concerned about potential side effects, including fever. Vaccines can indeed cause mild side effects, including fever, irritability, and soreness at the injection site. The combination vaccines, such as the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) and IPV (inactivated poliovirus) vaccines, are designed to protect against multiple diseases with fewer shots.
In terms of which vaccine might cause fewer side effects, studies have shown that combination vaccines like the DTaP-Hib-IPV-HepB (five-in-one) or hexavalent vaccines (six-in-one) can be associated with similar or even fewer side effects compared to separate vaccinations. However, individual responses can vary from child to child. Generally, the DTaP vaccine may cause more fever compared to the Hib or IPV components, but the overall risk of significant side effects remains low.

It is also important to note that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks of potential side effects. Vaccines are crucial in preventing serious illnesses and complications in children. If you are particularly concerned about fever, you can discuss with your pediatrician the possibility of administering acetaminophen (Tylenol) before or after the vaccination to help manage any discomfort or fever that may arise.

In conclusion, it is safe to use properly stored and thawed breast milk from your aunt for your baby. When it comes to vaccinations, combination vaccines are designed to minimize the number of shots while providing comprehensive protection. Always consult with your pediatrician regarding any specific concerns about vaccinations and the best practices for your child's health.

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