How do I thaw breast milk?

Postnatal, Your questions

Marie, I have been told all sorts of things about how to thaw breast milk. I take it out of the freezer and place it on the counter, and when there is still a lot of frozen milk, I put it in the fridge to continue thawing. At night I warm the milk before my partner gives it to the baby. Is that fine? I am starting to doubt my way of doing it…thanks for your help, Louise.


Louise, what you are doing seems safe to me given that you slowly thaw your milk at room temperature. You can also run cold water over the container and gradually warm up the water if you need to thaw it faster.

You should never thaw milk in the microwave, as we don’t understand the impact of the waves on the plastic, milk and milk components (vitamins and antibodies), and the burn risk if the milk is overheated.

Continue with your great work!

Talk soon,

Marie

The Baby Expert

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Analgesics and Anesthetics

Analgesics and Anesthetics

Are you giving birth in a hospital and would like to learn about the different ways to soothe pain? Marie
Good Lifestyle Habits and Pregnancy

Good Lifestyle Habits and Pregnancy

As a future mother, you want to do your best to promote the proper development of your baby. Here are
Being Pregnant

Being Pregnant

You just learned you are pregnant. You have questions about the changes that will take place during the pregnancy? Along
Evolution of Labour

Evolution of Labour

What conditions are necessary for natural childbirth? Marie talks about them in clear terms. You will then be able to