Does Freezing Breast Milk Destroy Antibodies? Key Facts for New Moms

Breast milk

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask if freezing breast milk destroys the antibodies, making it less effective for the baby.
How long can cow's milk be left at room temperature? Is it safe to warm it up using hot water?

anne09232001, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/03/07

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear online friend,
Hello! I appreciate your letter! Breast milk is a precious resource for nurturing infants, and government health agencies are actively promoting breastfeeding.
I am pleased to discuss breastfeeding-related issues with you.
I am an obstetrician and gynecologist, and while I am not a pediatrician, I am willing to share what I know regarding your inquiries:
1.
Breast milk is rich in immunoglobulins, particularly IgA, which significantly benefits the infant's gastrointestinal resistance.
However, these immunoglobulins (known as antibodies) can be denatured and lose their activity due to high temperatures from boiling or low temperatures from freezing, thereby reducing their protective effects on the infant.
2.
Breast milk should not be left at room temperature for extended periods, as it can promote bacterial growth and souring.
I cannot specify how many hours it can be left out, as this depends on climate and temperature.
Therefore, if you are temporarily unable to breastfeed (for example, if you are a working mother or if your milk has come in but the baby has just fed), it is advisable to quickly place the expressed breast milk into a clean bottle and store it in the refrigerator at 4°C (not in the freezer).
Refrigeration slows bacterial growth, and the milk can be warmed and fed to the infant within 24 hours, preventing waste of precious breast milk.
3.
For warming refrigerated breast milk, it is recommended to use a water bath at 50-60°C (do not heat directly or boil) before feeding, as this best preserves its nutrients and efficacy.
4.
However, breastfeeding directly from the breast remains the best option, as it fosters a good mother-child relationship; it is hygienic, convenient, and at the right temperature, eliminating concerns about improper storage and reheating.
5.
Similar to breast milk, I cannot specify how many hours cow's milk can be left at room temperature.
If cow's milk has been properly refrigerated, it can be warmed using a water bath.
However, cow's milk is not as precious and readily available as breast milk.
For safety reasons, milk that has been left at room temperature for a period should not be reheated for consumption unless it has been confirmed to have been properly stored in the refrigerator beforehand.
I hope the above responses meet your satisfaction! If there are any errors, please feel free to write back and correct me; I would greatly appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chen Chang-Fu
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Chihshan Hospital, Department of Health
March 9, 2002, 7:00 PM

Reply Date: 2002/03/07

More Info

Freezing breast milk is a common practice for many breastfeeding mothers, and it raises important questions about the preservation of its nutritional and immunological properties. To address your concerns, let’s break down the key facts regarding freezing breast milk, its effect on antibodies, storage duration at room temperature, and safe reheating methods.

Does Freezing Breast Milk Destroy Antibodies?
The short answer is no, freezing breast milk does not destroy antibodies. Breast milk is rich in immunoglobulins, particularly IgA, which play a crucial role in protecting infants from infections. Research indicates that while some immunological components may be slightly affected by freezing, the overall protective qualities of breast milk remain intact. The freezing process can preserve the majority of the antibodies, allowing your baby to benefit from them even after the milk has been frozen.

However, it is essential to note that the freezing process can affect some of the milk's components, such as certain enzymes and some vitamins. Nevertheless, the primary immune factors, including antibodies, are largely preserved. Thus, frozen breast milk still provides significant immunological benefits to your baby.

How Long Can Breast Milk Be Stored at Room Temperature?
Breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature (around 77°F or 25°C) for up to four hours. If the room is particularly warm, it is advisable to use the milk within two hours. Beyond this time frame, the risk of bacterial growth increases, which could pose a health risk to your baby. Therefore, if you are unsure whether the milk has been left out too long, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

Can You Reheat Breast Milk with Hot Water?
Yes, you can safely reheat breast milk using warm water. The recommended method is to place the container of frozen or refrigerated breast milk in a bowl of warm water or under running warm water. This gentle warming method helps to preserve the milk's nutritional and immunological properties. It is important to avoid using boiling water or a microwave, as these methods can create hot spots that may scald your baby and can also destroy some of the beneficial components in the milk.

When reheating breast milk, it’s crucial to ensure that it is warmed evenly. After warming, gently swirl the milk to mix it, but do not shake it vigorously, as this can break down some of the milk's beneficial components. Always test the temperature of the milk before feeding it to your baby to ensure it is not too hot.

Conclusion
In summary, freezing breast milk does not destroy its antibodies, and it remains a valuable source of nutrition and immune protection for your baby. Proper storage and reheating techniques are essential to maintain the quality of breast milk. Always adhere to recommended storage times and methods to ensure your baby receives the best possible nutrition. If you have further concerns about breastfeeding or milk storage, consulting with a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide personalized guidance tailored to your situation.

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