Adding warm milk to chilled

In September 2021, the AAP replaced this language with links to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s protocol #8 on Human Milk Storage and the CDC’s related guidelines based on the same protocol.   You can find those links and a helpful article cited by the AAP here: HealthyChildren.org’s Tips for Freezing and Refrigerating Breastmilk, the CDC’s Proper Storage and Preparation of Breastmilk, and the AMB Clinical Protocol Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use For Full-Term Infants. 

None of the AAP, CDC, or ABM sources state that there is any danger in combining temperatures. So the next logical question moms ask is: What happens if I combine milk from different pumping sessions without cooling it first? The answer given by the CDC and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is that combining milk “can rewarm the older stored milk.” That’s it. That’s the answer. No other risks are identified. No research is cited by any sources to indicate that there are additional risks or concerns to be aware of.  

These sources are an excellent example of a growing, formal recognition of the quality and reliability of the research being conducted by renowned pediatricians and biochemists in the field of human milk medicine.  

Based on recently published research, pooling breastmilk over the course of a day is beneficial. Pooled breastmilk provides evenly distributed caloric feedings, is more convenient for new mothers, and is believed to decrease the risk of contamination that results from multiple containers. The study specifically showed no signs of increased bacteria from combining newly expressed milk with chilled milk from multiple pumping sessions over 24 hours.  

For many years and on many current websites, parents have been told that it is best to chill breastmilk before adding it to milk that is already cold. The reasoning on these sites is based on a general approach to foods like raw meat or processed dairy products. Searching the internet still turns up these food-based recommendations, but interestingly none of these websites cite human milk research or a scientific basis for the recommendation.

Many Ceres Chill mamas use their Chillers to pump and store their milk all day. For more information about one of the studies on pooling breastmilk, check out the Journal of Breastfeeding Medicine. 

Options for Every Mom

Moms who want the flexibility of Ceres Chill but also want to follow the traditional recommendation to chill their milk before combining, purchase two Chillers (one to chill before combining, and one to store the combined milk all day or all night). Any two chillers can be purchased as a set at a significant discount.

Discounted peace of mind and up to 48 ounces of storage for over 20 hours is pretty great and sure beats short-lived coolers for pumping mamas on-the-go.

Unlike regular food, breastmilk fights bacteria!

Every day, we learn more about the absolutely amazing properties of breastmilk. These new findings continue to improve guidance and remove barriers for those who are breastfeeding.