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

The Cost of Freeze-Drying Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Overview
In recent years, the practice of freeze-drying breast milk has gained traction among new mothers looking to preserve their milk for future use. This method not only extends the shelf life of breast milk but also transforms it into a convenient powder form, resembling infant formula. However, many parents are left wondering about the costs associated with this process.
Understanding Freeze-Drying
Freeze-drying breast milk involves removing the water content from the milk, resulting in a powder that can be stored for extended periods—up to three years in some cases. This process is particularly appealing for mothers who want to ensure their babies receive the nutritional benefits of breast milk even when they are unable to nurse directly.
Cost Breakdown
The cost of freeze-drying breast milk can vary significantly depending on the service provider and the volume of milk being processed. For instance, companies like Milkify and Milk by Mom offer professional freeze-drying services, with prices typically ranging from $300 to $500 for a batch of milk. This price often includes the entire process, from collection to packaging, ensuring that the milk is safely preserved and ready for use.
Additionally, some services may charge based on the weight of the milk being freeze-dried. For example, a common pricing structure might be around $10 to $15 per ounce of milk processed. This means that for a mother with a larger supply, the total cost could escalate quickly, especially if she wishes to freeze-dry a significant amount of milk.
Home Freeze-Drying Options
For those looking to save on costs, home freeze-drying is becoming an increasingly popular option. While investing in a home freeze dryer can be expensive—ranging from $2,000 to $4,000—it allows parents to process their milk at their convenience. However, this method requires a certain level of expertise and commitment to ensure the milk is freeze-dried correctly without compromising its nutritional value.
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of freeze-drying breast milk can range from $300 to $500 for professional services, with additional charges based on the volume of milk. For those considering a more hands-on approach, home freeze-drying offers a long-term solution but comes with a higher initial investment. As the demand for preserved breast milk continues to grow, understanding these costs will help parents make informed decisions about their feeding options.

Is freeze-drying breast milk worth it?

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.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

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 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.

Should you wear a bra when drying up breast milk?

Wear a supportive and comfortable bra 24 hours a day until you notice the breast fullness and discomfort has gone away. Use ice packs (covered with a thin cloth) on your breast for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day. Cold cabbage leaves can also be helpful.

How long will 1000 ounces of breastmilk last?

How long will my stash last? Here’s where you’ve got to do a bit of math. Take the amount of ounces you froze and divide it by the number of ounces your baby drinks per day. (Example- 1000 ounces divided by 30 oz/day = 33 days of milk.)

How long can you store freeze dried breast milk?

three-year
Your freeze dried milk has a three-year shelf life and your expiration date is printed on every bag.

What is the shelf life of freeze dried breast milk?

a three-year
Your freeze dried milk has a three-year shelf life and your expiration date is printed on every bag.

How much does it cost to freeze breast milk?

2 to 4 ounces
You might start with 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 milliliters), and then adjust as needed. Also consider storing smaller portions — 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) — for unexpected situations or delays in regular feedings. Breast milk expands as it freezes, so don’t fill containers to the brim.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘JhxoZ-u4BffY0PEPlu7E0Qs__25′,’

How expensive is it to freeze-dry breast milk?

But realistically, I’d only use the service for excess milk, not the milk I’d use within the next few days. The cost is between $1.50-$2 per ounce (cheaper if you can do local drop off). Unless you have 500 extra ounces laying around, it’s hard to imagine its thousands of dollars.