Can you store and re-use EBM that's been fed already?

[janelsee]

I've been trying to find an answer to this question.  Sometimes LO doesn't finish a bottle of EBM and I feel terrible throwing it down the drain.  I've read conflicting thoughts that there's bacteria that may grow in a previously fed bottle and that there are others that re-use a bottle once and then throw it out. 

What are the thoughts here at the BW forums? 

(I just threw out 2 oz. from a partial DF last night and felt horrible about it.)

[~*Nicole*~]

If the saliva has mixed w/ the milk I think it's not considered safe to keep and reuse. BUT if you were to warm up expressed milk and only put SOME in a bottle and if LO drank it all and wanted more you could add the rest to it quickly...but if they were content with the first amount you could save the milk that was NOT put in the bottle and in contact with any saliva. I know BM has antibodies and all that from YOUR immune system so it's less likely to be an issue in terms of bacteria than say formula, but I think it's still possible for bacteria to grow and affect it. It's probably more up to your comfort level with the understanding that there is a potential for bad bacteria to grow.

[Peek-a-boo]

I'll save and reuse within 24 hours.

[mimi1017]

I have done it where I immediately put the left over BM in a clean sterilized bottle for the next feed.  My dd wasn't sick and by putting it straight into the fridge then I believe there is little chance for bacterial growth.  I never had a problem with it.

[sensfan]

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/reusing-expressedmilk.html

I saved mine to use next feed/next day.

[~ Vik ~]

Yep, ok for next feed. BUT remember that if you mix it with fresh ebm for the next feed and lo doesn't finish it, then it's garbage.

For example,
Feed 1 5oz, 2oz left over
Feed 2 2oz left over plus 3oz fresh, any left over now garbage because it's already been reused once, Kwim?

Hth

[janelsee]

Thank you everyone for your responses!  This has been MOST helpful. =)