Is it possible to save breast milk after it has been given in a bottle feeding? Sometimes my granddaughter leaves an ounce or two in the bottle and I hate to throw it away. Must I?

Our dr. told us it's OK to refrigerate the remainder for 24 hours. We did so frequently and never had a problem.

Yes, 24 hours in the fridge or 6 months in the deep freeze.:)

However, these are "leftovers." I am not sure about breast milk, it has been almost 20 years since I was able to breast feed. However, this should apply. With any form of food, solid or liquid, eaten from utensils or a bottle, saliva becomes mixed with the contents. One of the purposes of saliva is to assist in breaking down the properties of the food.

I would not recommend re-using breast milk or any other kind of milk longer than 12 - 24 hours as the nutrients will be broken down.

Please check with your pediatrician, or call your local Le Leche League, to be on the safe side.

Here is a link to the Le Leche League website.

http://www.lalecheleague.org/bfinfo.html

Right. The leftovers are different in that they have backwash in it.

... surely there's a medical term for that - it just escapes me... :o

I think backwash it appropriate. I am not sure if it is the medical term, but I would have to say it is the technical term.

I agree with not reusing it. I know my wife didn't reuse it after about an hour. We hated to throw it away because it was like gold when she had some in stock, but because of bacteria as the others have alluded to I would becareful. Like the others have suggested I would check with your pediatrician on that to be safe.

Sorry, I misunderstood the left over part. If you were to separate it that would be fine. My apologies.

A better solution is just save an ounce or two in the fridge, and that way if the baby wants more , it can be warmed and served fresh without wasting any.