Technique - Thawing Breastmilk
To thaw frozen milk:
Hold container under cold running water, gradually making the water warmer until milk is thawed; thaw in refrigerator and keep in refrigerator until ready to warm and feed. Use within 24 hours. Do not refreeze.

  • Do not let milk stand at room temperature to thaw.
  • Do not thaw under hot running water or in boiling water. Valuable components can be destroyed if overheated.


To heat refrigerated or thawed milk:
Hold container under warm, running water until milk reaches body temperature; or place container in a bowl of warm water, replacing the water as it cools with more warm water until it reaches body temperature. Shake before testing the temperature.

  • Do not warm milk in microwave. Hot-spots may be present and are dangerous to baby.
  • Do not warm milk or bottle directly on stove.
  • Do not bring milk to the boiling point.


Breast milk has a thin, bluish look that is very different form cow’s milk or formula. Breast milk is not homogenized so it can separate when stored with the cream rising to the top. Swirl the container to gently mix.