Will breast milk go bad in the body if not nursed for three days?

Under normal circumstances, breast milk may become spoiled if not nursed for three days. The detailed analysis is as follows:

After a newborn's birth, the mammary glands begin to secrete colostrum, which is rich in nutrients and crucial for the infant's growth and development. If the baby does not nurse for three days, the accumulated milk may gradually deteriorate. Breast milk contains nutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. When these substances remain at body temperature for an extended period, they are prone to bacterial breakdown, leading to fermentation and spoilage of the milk, which can result in unpleasant odors. The breast provides a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth. If milk stagnates within the mammary glands, the milk ducts may become infected by bacteria. Such infections can lead to mastitis, causing symptoms like breast swelling, pain, fever, and milk spoilage. Bacterial decomposition of milk can also produce gas, further intensifying odor formation. Since individuals vary in constitution and metabolism, their responses to milk spoilage may differ. Some people may be particularly sensitive to milk deterioration, and even short-term accumulation could result in noticeable odors.

Although it is possible for breast milk to spoil and develop an odor, it should be noted that if there is no infection or other abnormalities in the mammary gland, the milk typically returns quickly to normal once nursing resumes. Therefore, if breastfeeding has been interrupted for three days, it is advisable to resume nursing as soon as possible, allowing the baby to feed on fresh milk, which helps maintain the freshness and nutritional quality of the breast milk.