Can You Microwave Breast Milk?

September 19, 2023 Stacey Stewart, C.L.E

As a busy new parent, you’re always looking for ways to make your life easier with a new baby.

You might be thinking, "Can I zap breast milk in the microwave to save time?"

Well, let's check it out together... 🍼🤔

(this post may contain affiliate links)

Can you microwave breast milk?

The short answer is: NO! You should never thaw or warm up breast milk in a microwave.

The long answer:

Microwaves don't warm things up evenly, which means they can make some parts of your baby's milk super hot, like a volcano! 🌋

You might end up surprising your little one with a scalding sip. No one wants that!

Not only that, as living nourishment breast milk is affected by temperature.🌡️

Science tells us that when it hits temperatures higher than 104 degrees, it starts losing its magical powers. Microwaving breast milk simply heats it up too high which destroys valuable nutrients, vitamins, and immunological properties.

How Breast Milk Deteriorates In The Microwave

Germ Fighters Weaken

Microwaving makes important germ-fighting components less effective.

Probiotics Say Bye

Good bacteria your baby needs for a happy tummy get zapped.

White Blood Cells Vanish

Microwaving takes out the infection-fighting white blood cells.

Less Fat for Growth

The fat, important for baby's growth, decreases when microwaved.

Digestive Enzymes Inactivated

Microwaving can turn off the enzymes needed for digestion.

3 Ways to safely heat breast milk

Slow, gentle warming is best to protect and preserve the healthy qualities of the milk.

Hold container of milk under cool running water and gradually adding warmer water until the milk is warmed to room temperature.
Place the bottle in a container of warm water.
Use a breast milk bottle warmer. Our favorite is THIS ONE because it heats up bottles in a warm water bath, which is better than steaming.

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🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.