Can you freeze-dry your breast milk?

Can You Freeze-Dry Your Breast Milk?
In recent years, the concept of freeze-drying breast milk has gained traction among parents looking for innovative ways to preserve this vital source of nutrition for their infants. Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, is a process that removes moisture from a substance, allowing it to be stored for extended periods without refrigeration. This method not only retains the nutritional value of breast milk but also offers convenience for parents.
The Freeze-Drying Process
Freeze-drying involves two main steps: freezing the breast milk and then placing it in a vacuum chamber. In this chamber, the ice sublimates, meaning it transitions directly from solid to gas without becoming liquid. This process effectively removes about 98% of the water content in the milk, leaving behind a powder that can be reconstituted with water when needed.
Benefits of Freeze-Drying Breast Milk
One of the most significant advantages of freeze-drying breast milk is its extended shelf life. Freeze-dried breast milk can last up to three years when stored properly, compared to traditional freezing methods, which typically allow for storage of liquid breast milk for up to 12 months. This longevity makes it an appealing option for parents who may need to store milk for longer periods, such as those returning to work or traveling.
Moreover, freeze-drying preserves the nutritional, immunological, and probiotic components of breast milk. This means that the essential nutrients and enzymes that support a baby’s growth and immune system remain intact, providing the same benefits as fresh milk. Parents have reported that babies who may reject fresh milk due to high lipase levels often accept freeze-dried milk more readily.
At-Home vs. Professional Services
While the idea of freeze-drying breast milk at home is intriguing, it is important to note that the process requires specialized equipment that is not typically available in a household setting. Professional services, such as Milkify and Milk by Mom, offer freeze-drying options where parents can send in their milk to be processed. These services ensure that the milk is handled safely and effectively, resulting in a high-quality product that retains its nutritional benefits.
Conclusion
In summary, freeze-drying breast milk is a viable option for parents looking to preserve this essential nutrition for their babies. With its extended shelf life and retention of vital nutrients, freeze-dried breast milk offers a practical solution for modern parenting challenges. However, for those considering this method, utilizing professional services is recommended to ensure the best results.

Is freeze-dry breast milk FDA approved?

Milkify is the only FDA-registered, GMP-certified breast milk freeze-drying service. Our patented, contact-free process was designed to ensure the safety of your milk.

How much do bodybuilders pay for breast milk?

One ounce of breast milk from an internet site costs up to $10 an ounce. Because of poor collection, storage and shipping practices, milk from unregulated breast milk internet sites is also more likely to be contaminated than milk donated to regulated milk banks.

Why do people freeze-dry breastmilk?

Not only does freeze dried breast milk offer nutrition benefits, it gives you convenience by delivering flexibility and peace of mind – and a much longer window for use with a three year shelf life versus traditional freezing. When you freeze-dry, you don’t risk wasting your breast milk or battling with freezer space.

Does freeze-drying breast milk lose antibodies?

The history of research on freeze-drying breastmilk dates back to the 1950s and is shown to be a better way of storing and preserving nutrients, immune factors, enzymes, antibodies and antioxidants.

How much does it cost to freeze-dry your breast milk?

We are happy to help freeze dry as much of your milk as you would like. Contact us directly to get a quote for quantities greater than 250 oz. To estimate the cost, calculate ~$1.75 per ounce.

Does freezing damage breast milk?

In neonatal units and human milk banks freezing breastmilk at less than –20°C is the choice for preserving it. Scientific evidence in relation to the loss of nutritional quality during freezing is rare.

What is the shelf life of freeze dried breast milk?

Freeze-drying can prolong the shelf life of breast milk. Compared to fresh breast milk that only lasts four hours at room temperature, four days if refrigerated or up to a year in a home freezer, freeze-dried breast milk could stay good for up to three years when stored properly.

Do you lose nutrients when freeze-drying breast milk?

Research finds that nutrients and antibodies are preserved during freeze drying.

Can I freeze-dry my breastmilk at home?

How to freeze dry baby milk at home? Cut open all the frozen bags of breast milk. Fit about 9 bags per tray and fill 5 trays to fill the freeze dryer. It takes over 24 hours for the freeze dried to finish. Turns into very dry powder. Put it in a Ziploc bag and smash it up. Grind it up into the finest powder.

Is it better to dehydrate or freeze-dry breast milk?

In contrast, freeze-drying is a preservation method that involves freezing the breast milk and then sublimating the ice (transitioning it directly from solid to gas) in a vacuum. This process helps maintain the integrity of the milk’s nutrients and bioactive components much better than dehydration.