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What do you do with freeze-dried breast milk?

Understanding Freeze-Dried Breast Milk: Uses and Benefits
In recent years, the practice of freeze-drying breast milk has gained traction among parents looking for convenient and long-lasting ways to preserve this vital source of nutrition for their infants. Freeze-drying involves removing the water content from breast milk, resulting in a powder that retains essential nutrients and enzymes, making it a practical alternative to traditional storage methods like freezing or refrigeration.
What is Freeze-Dried Breast Milk?
Freeze-dried breast milk is essentially human milk that has undergone a process to eliminate its moisture content. The outcome is a powder that resembles infant formula, which can be reconstituted with water when needed. This method not only extends the shelf life of breast milk—up to three years—but also preserves its nutritional integrity, ensuring that babies receive the necessary nutrients even after long-term storage.
How to Use Freeze-Dried Breast Milk
The versatility of freeze-dried breast milk makes it an appealing option for parents. Here are some common uses:
1. Reconstitution for Bottles: The primary use of freeze-dried breast milk is to rehydrate it for bottle feeding. To do this, parents can mix the powder with warm water, following specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Each scoop typically contains about 5 grams of powder, which can be adjusted based on the desired quantity.
2. Incorporating into Solid Foods: As infants transition to solid foods, freeze-dried breast milk can be sprinkled into purees or mixed into other meals. This not only enhances the nutritional value of the food but also introduces familiar flavors to the baby.
3. Convenient Storage: Once freeze-dried, the milk can be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Unopened pouches can last for years, while opened pouches should be resealed and refrigerated, with any unused powder discarded after three days.
Safety and Considerations
While freeze-dried breast milk is generally safe, it is important to note that it is not sterile. Therefore, it may not be suitable for premature infants or those with compromised immune systems. Parents should also ensure that the milk is properly rehydrated and consumed within the recommended time frame to maintain safety and quality.
Conclusion
Freeze-dried breast milk offers a practical solution for parents seeking to preserve the nutritional benefits of breast milk while ensuring convenience and flexibility in feeding. Whether used for bottle preparation or as an additive to solid foods, this innovative preservation method allows families to make the most of their breast milk supply, providing peace of mind and nutritional assurance for their little ones.

Does freeze-dried milk go bad?

Most manufacturers recommend using powdered milk (also known as dried milk) within 18 months, but this is really just a “best by” date. According to the USDA, powdered milk can be stored indefinitely.

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 do you use freeze-dried breast milk?

Rehydration & Storage

  1. Start with a sterilized bottle.
  2. Add warm purified water to the bottle in the ounce amount noted on the pouch.
  3. Pour the milk powder in the pouch into the bottle and close it.
  4. Mix the milk thoroughly by swirling until any clumps are gone.
  5. Feed the baby within 2 hours of preparation.

Does freeze-drying breast milk lose nutrients?

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

How long does freeze-dried breast milk last?

It has a long shelf life
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.

What do you use dry milk for?

7 Ways to Use Dry Milk Powder: A Pantry Staple

  1. Cooked cereals such as oatmeal or grits. Add ½ cup non-fat dry milk powder to each cup of dry cereal.
  2. Smoothies.
  3. Coffee or tea.
  4. Biscuits, muffins, pancakes, yeast breads, cookies and cakes.
  5. Canned soup.
  6. Mashed potatoes.
  7. Puddings, custards, gravies and sauces.

How to make a bottle with freeze-dried breast milk?

Add water to a bottle. Add warm, purified water to a pre sterilized bottle. The above measurements will rehydrate the powder. back to your breastmilk’s original consistency. For different sized bottles, add water and one fluid ounce increments. It’s basically like a powdered formula, but it’s my breastmilk.

What can you do with freeze-dried milk?

  • Cooked cereals such as oatmeal or grits. Add 1⁄2 cup of non-fat dry milk powder to each cup of dry cereal…
  • Smoothies…
  • Coffee or tea…
  • Biscuits, muffins, pancakes, yeast bread, cookies, and cakes…
  • Canned soup…
  • Mashed potatoes…
  • Puddings, custards, gravies, and sauces.

Is Freeze dried milk better than powdered milk?

Flavor and keeping quality characteristics of freeze-dried milk are essentially the same as for spray-dried whole milk powder. Both dry milks have essentially the same flavor characteristics when fresh and both become tallowy in storage.

Does freeze dried milk go bad?

Most manufacturers recommend using powdered milk (also known as dried milk) within 18 months, but this is really just a “best by” date. According to the USDA, powdered milk can be stored indefinitely.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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