M
M
last month

Left milk out… is it bad?

I had refrigerated my milk I pumped at school in my lunch box but I forgot to put it in the fridge when I got home. The lunchbox with the milk has been on the counter for 4 hours….. is the milk bad?
Like
Share
  • Share

Show your support

last month

Breast milk is only supposed to be left out for 4 hours. Smell and see if it’s okay

last month

I've always gone by the 6 rule. 6 hrs at room temp. 6 days in back of fridge. 6 months in freezer. NHS states 6hrs at room temp in UK https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-of-services/maternity-services/breastfeeding/storing-breastmilk/#:~:text=Breast%20milk%20can%20be%20left,for%20up%20to%206%20months.

last month

I think it comes down to what you’re comfortable with too. Like ultimately, I have no judgement for what others choose to do, but I know where I stand, and that’s fine with me

last month

@Sie the guidelines have changed again too. You can mix different temps now. I never ask a doctor for lactation advice though. They aren’t trained professionals in lactation. Personally 666 was my rule

last month

@Sara ask a lactation consultant for better understanding then. That seems odd

last month

@Monét I was actually told the exact opposite in my prenatal class.

last month

@Sara bacteria does not grow quickly in breastmilk. That’s why it’s able to be left out longer than formula ever can. And doesn’t spoil under these conditions. The general rule is 4 hours out, 4 days in fridge. This changes according to the individual though

last month

Do you have a meat thermometer? Take it's temp. And it's supposed to be okay if it's out for 4 hours, but I don't know about refrigerated and then out for 4 hours, I think if you pump it it's okay for 4 hours.

last month

Yeah I dunno I wouldn’t trust it at that point. It’s been out for longer than is technically food safe, and bacteria grows real quick on breast milk unfortunately.

last month

Smell it. Generally okay to offer after sitting out for 4 hours, but bacteria does start to grow after that. If it smells okay, it probably is

Read more on Peanut
Trending in our community