FAQs
Find answers to your questions about freeze-drying, our services, ordering from us, and more.
About Freeze-Drying Your Breast Milk
What if my milk is in bottles/NICU tubes?
We can only freeze-dry milk that is provided in bags.
How do I use my freeze-dried breast milk?
Your freeze-dried breast milk is returned to you with a custom label that also outlines how to rehydrate your milk to its exact original consistency. View the label instructions here.
Your freeze dried milk has a three-year shelf life and your expiration date is printed on every bag.
Can I use my freeze-dried breast milk as a fortifier?
Once you receive your freeze dried breast milk, you can use it for bottle preps or incorporate it into solid foods anytime for a nutritional boost.
My milk has high lipase / my infant refuses frozen milk, will freeze-drying help?
Freeze drying will help to reduce the enzyme activity and make the taste and smell milder. Freeze drying your milk may help your baby accept your milk if they are refusing to drink regularly thawed milk.
What if I need to make a bottle of a different size? What is the ratio of breast milk powder to water that I should use?
Your freeze-dried breast milk is returned to you with a custom label that outlines how to rehydrate your milk to its exact original consistency.
How does your freeze-drying process affect the nutrients in the breast milk?
Freeze-drying helps preserve the nutrients and beneficial antibodies in your breast milk better than traditional deep freezing. It is a process that has been researched and proven since the 1950’s and adopted by milk banks around the work since the 1980s.
Can you freeze-dry colostrum/transitional milk?
We can freeze-dry colostrum/transitional milk only if it is in bags.
How much water do I add back to the breast milk powder I get back?
Your freeze-dried breast milk is returned to you with a custom label that outlines how to rehydrate your milk to its exact original consistency.
Can I travel with freeze-dried breast milk?
Yes! Freeze dried breast milk makes traveling easier with a breastfeeding baby.
How does the freeze-drying process work?
The process consists of four phases:
- Freeze: Your breast milk is frozen at a very low temperature (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Vacuum: Pressure within the freeze-drying chamber is reduced to create a deep vacuum.
- Dry (sublimation): A small amount of heat is added, removing the water from your frozen milk by turning the ice into water vapor.
- Package: Your breast milk powder is then vacuum-sealed in a high-barrier bag to protect it from moisture, oxygen, UV, and contamination.
Do you use oxygen absorbers in the final packaging?
Yes, we include an oxygen absorber in every bag as an extra layer of protection.
Can I use the information on this site for medical advice?
We are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
We are here to help you gain the benefits of storing your breast milk safely and conveniently. Any advice or information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not create a professional relationship, is not an aid to making medical decisions, and is not marketed, promoted, or otherwise intended to be used to diagnose any disease or other condition, or to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Powdered breast milk is not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless supervised by your baby's doctor.
Using Your Freeze Dried Breast Milk
How do I use my freeze-dried breast milk?
Your freeze-dried breast milk is returned to you with a custom label that also outlines how to rehydrate your milk to its exact original consistency. View the label instructions here.
Your freeze dried milk has a three-year shelf life and your expiration date is printed on every bag.
Can I use my freeze-dried breast milk as a fortifier?
Once you receive your freeze dried breast milk, you can use it for bottle preps or incorporate it into solid foods anytime for a nutritional boost.
How much water do I add back to the breast milk powder I get back?
Your freeze-dried breast milk is returned to you with a custom label that outlines how to rehydrate your milk to its exact original consistency.
Can I travel with freeze-dried breast milk?
Yes! Freeze-drying makes traveling while breastfeeding easier.
What if I need to make a bottle of a different size? What is the ratio of breast milk powder to water that I should use?
Your freeze-dried breast milk is returned to you with a custom label that outlines how to rehydrate your milk to its exact original consistency.
Can I use the information on this site for medical advice?
We are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
We are here to help you gain the benefits of storing your breast milk safely and conveniently. Any advice or information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not create a professional relationship, is not an aid to making medical decisions, and is not marketed, promoted, or otherwise intended to be used to diagnose any disease or other condition, or to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Powdered breast milk is not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless supervised by your baby's doctor.
Milk by Mom’s Process
Do you use oxygen absorbers in the final packaging?
Yes, we include an oxygen absorber in every bag as an extra layer of protection.
What kind of breast milk storage bags are accepted?
All types of bags are accepted. Bottles plastic or glass are not.
Can I use the information on this site for medical advice?
We are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
We are here to help you gain the benefits of storing your breast milk safely and conveniently. Any advice or information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not create a professional relationship, is not an aid to making medical decisions, and is not marketed, promoted, or otherwise intended to be used to diagnose any disease or other condition, or to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Powdered breast milk is not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless supervised by your baby's doctor.
How does your freeze-drying process affect the nutrients in the breast milk?
Freeze-drying helps preserve the nutrients and beneficial antibodies in your breast milk better than traditional deep freezing. It is a process that has been researched and proven since the 1950’s and adopted by milk banks around the work since the 1980s.
How does the freeze-drying process work?
The process consists of four phases:
- Freeze: Your breast milk is frozen at a very low temperature (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Vacuum: Pressure within the freeze-drying chamber is reduced to create a deep vacuum.
- Dry (sublimation): A small amount of heat is added, removing the water from your frozen milk by turning the ice into water vapor.
- Package: Your breast milk powder is then vacuum-sealed in a high-barrier bag to protect it from moisture, oxygen, UV, and contamination.
What kind of quality controls do you have in place?
We follow a sterile, scientific process when handling your breast milk. We’re compliant with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We strive to be completely transparent with all of the details of our process to make sure you are confident in our services.
Ordering From Milk by Mom
What if my milk is in bottles/NICU tubes?
We can only freeze-dry milk that is provided in bags.
Do you offer discounts?
We are a small start-up so our pricing is fixed. We do recommend following us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date with our latest deals and promotions.
What if I need the powder shipped to a different address?
Not a problem! As long as it hasn’t shipped, we can modify the delivery address. Please send us an email with the updated address. Of course the sooner we know of any changes the better.
How do I drop off or arrange a time?
Once you place your order, you’ll be prompted to select your drop off day and time.
Is there a minimum/maximum volume per bag that I can send?
No. Your milk will be packaged as you decide, individually bag for bag or in equally portioned 4, 5, or 6 oz pouches.
I dropped off my order, when will it be ready?
As a rule of thumb, orders should be out the door within 2-weeks of being received. However, timing may vary depending on demand. Our team will provide updates along the way so you will know when your milk should arrive.
I already placed an order – how can I update the address for shipping?
Please contact us directly and we will be happy to make the modifications needed to get you your milk.
What kind of breast milk storage bags are accepted?
All types of bags are accepted. Bottles plastic or glass are not.
Can you freeze-dry colostrum/transitional milk?
We can freeze-dry colostrum/transitional milk only if it is in bags.
What if I have more than 250 oz.?
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.
Will I receive updates regarding my order?
Yes! We know how precious every single drop of your breast milk is, so our process was created to keep you consistently informed about your order to make it as stress free as possible for you.
What if I need to make a bottle of a different size? What is the ratio of breast milk powder to water that I should use?
Your freeze-dried breast milk is returned to you with a custom label that outlines how to rehydrate your milk to its exact original consistency.
How do I get my breastmilk to you?
If you are in the local Phoenix, Arizona, area simply place your order to schedule a drop off or to request a pick up for your breast milk and you will receive an email with drop off or pick up instructions.
If you are outside the Phoenix metro area, we’ll send a complete breast milk shipping kit right to your door with everything you need to ship us your milk.
Follow all the instructions closely and ship your frozen breast milk to us using the enclosed customized shipping label and packaging.
How does your freeze-drying process affect the nutrients in the breast milk?
Freeze-drying helps preserve the nutrients in your breast milk better than traditional deep freezing. It is a process that has been researched and proven since the 1950’s and adopted by milk banks around the work since the 1980s.
How do I use my HSA or FSA funds to purchase from Milk by Mom?
We partner with Truemed to enable HSA/FSA spending on our breast milk freeze-drying services. Access Truemed’s comprehensive FAQ guide to get answers to other common questions.
About Milk by Mom
What is Milk by Mom?
Milk by Mom is a breast milk freeze drying service. Freeze-dried breast milk powder in our packaging is self-stable for three years with no need to refrigerate.
Can I use the information on this site for medical advice?
We are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
We are here to help you gain the benefits of storing your breast milk safely and conveniently. Any advice or information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not create a professional relationship, is not an aid to making medical decisions, and is not marketed, promoted, or otherwise intended to be used to diagnose any disease or other condition, or to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Powdered breast milk is not sterile and should not be fed to premature infants or infants who might have immune problems unless supervised by your baby's doctor.
What kind of quality controls do you have in place?
We follow a sterile, scientific process when handling your breast milk. We’re compliant with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We strive to be completely transparent with all of the details of our process to make sure you are confident in our services.