If you’re a breastfeeding or pumping mom, you might have noticed a thick, creamy layer forming at the top of a bottle of expressed breast milk.
This usually happens when breastmilk has been left for awhile inside the fridge.
If you’re a new mom, or it hasn’t happened to you before, you might wonder, “has my breast milk spoiled?”
Is this still safe to give to my baby?
No worries, mama! You’re not alone.
This happens a lot actually! What you see is a “fat plug” in breast milk.
What are Fat Plugs?
Have you seen those “homogenized” pasteurized label in cow’s milk before?
Unlike the milk you buy in stores, breast milk is not homogenized. [1]
Homogenization is what makes store-bought milk permanently “creamy”. It’s like using a blender to create a perfectly blended, creamy smoothie.
When your milk chills out in the fridge, the fat layer eventually separates and rises to the top. This creates the fat plug.
Does that mean my milk is spoiled?
Nope!
Fat plugs are just something that happens.
They don’t mean your milk has gone bad or spoiled. Your breast milk is still perfectly fine and packed with nutrients for your little one. You just need to mix them back together!
How To Handle a Fat Plug
- Give it a Swirl: A gentle swirl or shake before feeding will mix everything back together. No need to go crazy – you don’t want to create a bubble bath in the bottle.
- Warm it Up a Bit: If the fat plug is super thick, try warming the bottle under some lukewarm water. Or you can warm up your hands and hold the bottle in between your palms. The heat makes it easier to mix the fat back in.
- Don’t Stress: Even if your baby gets a little extra fat in one feeding, it’s not a biggie. Breast milk changes all the time, so it all balances out.
Why is the Fat in Breast Milk Important?
Fat isn’t just about those adorable chubby cheeks.
It’s a major player in your baby’s development. It gives them the energy to grow, helps their brain develop, and keeps them feeling full and happy.
Key Takeaway
Fat plugs? Totally normal.
Just give the bottle a little shake or swirl, and you’re good to go. Remember, the fat in your breast milk is doing amazing things for your baby. So keep up the good work, mama!
BUT.. If your stored milk looks or smells off in any other way, it’s probably best to throw it away. Or use it for a milk bath.
References:
- Mohrbacher, N. (2020). Breastfeeding answers: A guide for helping families. Nancy Mohrbacher Solutions, Incorporated.