Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold due to its nutritional benefits for babies. But work commitments, medical conditions, travel — any number of situations — can hinder direct breastfeeding. That's why freeze-drying is the next-best alternative.
The breast milk freeze-drying process, also known as lyophilization, removes water from breast milk while preserving its nutritional properties. This technique is widely used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products. The freeze-drying process converts breast milk into a dried breast milk powder that mamas and caregivers can reconstitute with water.
Reconstitution involves adding water to the powder so the taste and texture closely resemble fresh breast milk. It retains essential nutrients and antibodies, so even if fresh milk isn't available, freeze-drying ensures that babies receive the optimal benefits of breast milk.
How to Freeze Dry Breast Milk: The Process & Steps Explained
The process to turn breast milk into powder begins by transferring frozen breast milk to a freeze dryer. Inside the vacuum environment, controlled sublimation occurs, where the water content converts directly from solid to gas. When dehydrating breast milk, approximately 98% of the water is removed during this step.
When Milk by Mom creates freeze dried breast milk, we place the frozen breast milk in a vacuum chamber where the water is slowly removed through sublimation. We carefully monitor the temperature and pressure control to maintain the milk's nutritional value while eliminating the water content. The resulting freeze-dried breast milk is shelf-stable and lightweight, eliminating the need for refrigeration, and retaining all essential nutrients, immune factors, and antibodies. Airtight packaging ensures its long-term preservation and protection from moisture absorption.
Freeze-drying breast milk is a remarkable process that preserves its nutritional composition. It ensures that babies can still benefit from breast milk's nutrients and antibodies, even when fresh milk is unavailable. The resulting shelf-stable powdered breast milk provides convenience for moms, caregivers, and their babies.
Understanding the Benefits of Breast Milk Freeze Drying
Breast milk is nature's perfect food for babies, supplying essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes. But when frozen, breast milk can deteriorate in quality over time due to ice crystal formation. Freeze-dried breast milk maintains its taste and texture. The benefits of freeze drying breast milk make it an ideal solution for moms on the go.
Freeze-dried breast milk can also be a cost-effective option, as it retains the benefits of breast milk without ongoing expenses associated with formula feeding.
Turning breast milk into powder makes it lightweight, easier to transport, and more convenient for travel or when caregivers are involved. Plus, reconstitution with water is simple and safe, as the freeze-drying process eliminates harmful bacteria and pathogens.
While freeze-drying breast milk offers benefits like extended shelf life and convenience, it may be costlier and requires reconstitution before use.
Pros and Cons of Freeze-Drying Breast Milk
+Long shelf life (up to three years)
+Ease of transport
+Convenience for caregivers
-Cost
-Requires reconstitution with water
If you're exploring your options when it comes to feeding your little one, learning more about how to freeze dry breast milk into powder is one solution! Consult with your healthcare professionals and lactation experts to determine if freeze-drying is the right option for you and your baby.
