| Freshly expressed breast milk should smell faintly sweet; if it smells sour or off-putting, it's likely spoiled and shouldn't be given to your baby. Similarly, stored breast milk should be discarded if it smells sour or has a noticeable change in texture or color (e.g., it becomes lumpy or separates significantly). If you're unsure about the quality of your expressed milk, err on the side of caution and discard it. 
For Breast Milk (directly from the breast): - Smell and Appearance: Fresh breast milk should smell and look relatively normal. While the smell and appearance *can* change slightly depending on your diet, a sour or rancid smell is a bad sign. Similarly, significant curdling or a very different color than usual (excluding diet-related variations) warrants caution.
- Your Baby's Reaction: If your baby is feeding well and showing no signs of illness (diarrhea, vomiting, fussiness after feeding) after consuming the milk, it's likely still good.
For Expressed Breast Milk: - Smell and Appearance: As above, a sour or rancid smell, significant curdling or unusual color are signs the milk has gone bad.
- Storage Time and Temperature: This is the most crucial factor for expressed breast milk. Follow these guidelines closely:
- Room Temperature: Up to 4 hours (ideally in a cool place).
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Up to 6 months in the back of the freezer; up to 12 months is generally considered acceptable but quality may decrease.
- Thawing: Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours and *never* refrozen.
- Handling: Ensure proper hygiene when expressing, storing and handling milk.
If you have any doubts about the safety of your breast milk: - Err on the side of caution: Discard the milk if you suspect it may be spoiled. It's better to be safe than sorry.
- Consult your pediatrician or lactation consultant: They can provide expert advice and address any concerns you may have.
Remember that even if milk looks and smells okay, improper handling and storage can still compromise its safety. Following safe storage and handling practices is vital to ensure the health and well-being of your baby.
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