What should never be done with previously thawed breast milk?

Breast milk that has been thawed should not be re-frozen because once it has been thawed, bacteria may begin to grow, and the quality of the milk can degrade. Re-freezing previously thawed milk can lead to potential health risks for the infant, as it may not retain its nutritional and immunological properties effectively after thawing.

In contrast, storing thawed breast milk in the refrigerator is acceptable as long as it is used within the recommended time frame. Using it within two hours of thawing is also appropriate and safe. The guidance to discard any thawed milk after 24 hours in the refrigerator helps ensure that any potential bacterial growth is minimized, further prioritizing the infant's safety.