FAQs

Find answers to your questions about freeze-drying, our services, ordering from us, and more.

About Freeze-Drying Your Breast Milk

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 reduce lipase enzyme activity, which may make the taste and smell of your milk milder. If your baby has been refusing regularly thawed milk, freeze-drying could help them accept it. Every baby is different — but many moms in our community have found this to be a meaningful difference.

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 helps reduce lipase enzyme activity, which may make the taste and smell of your milk milder. If your baby has been refusing regularly thawed milk, freeze-drying could help them accept it. Every baby is different — but many moms in our community have found this to be a meaningful difference.

Can you freeze-dry colostrum/transitional milk?

We can freeze-dry colostrum/transitional milk only if it is in bags. Please notify us directly after placing your order that you would like to seperate your colostrum.

Can I travel with freeze-dried breast milk?

Yes — and this is one of the biggest reasons moms choose freeze-drying. Your shelf-stable milk travels with you at room temperature, no cooler required. Planes, hotels, road trips, daycare drop-offs — open a pouch, mix with water, and feed. No thawing, no TSA stress, no wondering if it's still good.

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.

Using Your Freeze Dried Breast Milk

How do I use my freeze-dried breast milk?

Your freeze-dried breast milk returns to you with a custom label outlining exactly how to rehydrate it to its original consistency. Mix with water, shake, and it's ready — no thawing, no planning ahead. Whether you're at home, at daycare, traveling, or sending it with another caregiver, it works wherever you do. Your expiration date is printed on every pouch, giving you up to three years of shelf-stable access.

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.

Can I travel with freeze-dried breast milk?

Yes — and this is one of the biggest reasons moms choose freeze-drying. Your shelf-stable milk travels with you at room temperature, no cooler required. Planes, hotels, road trips, daycare drop-offs — open a pouch, mix with water, and feed. No thawing, no TSA stress, no wondering if it's still good.

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.

Milk by Mom’s Process

Is my milk safe during processing?

Yes. From the moment your milk arrives, it is handled individually — never mixed with anyone else's. Each order is logged, labeled, and tracked through our facility. You'll have complete visibility into every stage of the journey, so you always know where your milk is and what comes next.

Where do you provide services?

We serve moms across the United States. If you're local to the Phoenix, Arizona area, simply select drop-off at checkout — same ordering process, no separate form or phone call. Everywhere else, we ship you a complete cooler kit with everything you need to send your milk to us safely.

Do you use oxygen absorbers in the final packaging?

No. Your milk is sealed in a vapor-barrier pouch that shields it from moisture, oxygen, and light.

What kind of breast milk storage bags are accepted?

All standard breast milk storage bags are accepted. Bottles — plastic or glass — are not. If you're unsure whether your bags qualify, reach out before you ship and we'll confirm.

What kind of quality controls do you have in place?

Your milk is uniquely yours, and we treat it that way. Every order is individually labeled, tracked, and processed separately — your milk never shares a batch with anyone else's. We perform multiple quality and verification checks throughout production to ensure your milk is properly identified and accounted for at every stage. Our facility is FDA-registered and CDC compliant, and we partner with UPS Healthcare for cold-chain shipping.

Ordering From Milk by Mom

How do I choose the right Sip Style?

It comes down to how you'll use your milk most. Little Sips are single-use pouches — perfect for travel, daycare, and on-the-go feeding. Big Sips are larger pouches ideal for everyday at-home use. All the Sips gives you half and half — so you don't have to choose.

Do you offer discounts?

We keep our pricing simple and transparent — one price, everything included. We do offer military and first responder discounts through ID.me, and Shop Pay installments are available at checkout if you'd like to spread payments. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected with our community.

What if I need the powder shipped to a different address?

Not a problem — as long as your order hasn't shipped, we can update the delivery address. Reach out as soon as you know and we'll take care of it.

How do I drop off or arrange a time?

Local to Phoenix? Simply select drop-off at checkout — you'll choose your drop-off day and time right in the ordering flow. No separate form, no phone call needed.

Is there a minimum/maximum volume per bag that I can send?

No. Your milk will be packaged as you decide at checkout; Little Sips, Big Sips or All the Sips.

Will I receive updates regarding my order?

Yes. You'll have complete visibility into every stage of the journey — from the moment your milk arrives at our facility to the day it returns to your door. We'll keep you informed throughout so you always know where your milk is and what comes next.

How do I get my breastmilk to you?

Wherever you are, it starts the same way: place your order online and choose your kit size. If you're local to Phoenix, select drop-off at checkout. If you're shipping, we'll send a complete cooler kit right to your door — everything you need to pack and send your milk safely. Follow the included instructions, drop off at the carrier, and we handle everything from there.

How do I use my HSA or FSA funds?

At checkout, select Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA as your payment option. You will be prompted to complete a brief telehealth consult to confirm your eligibility to pay with HSA/FSA. From there, enter your HSA or FSA debit card details and complete your checkout as usual.

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.

Where do you provide services?

We currently provide service within Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. via scheduled pick-ups and shipping services country-wide within the United States.

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.

Refund & Returns

When am I eligible for a full refund?

You are eligible for a full refund if there is a processing issue on our end that prevents your milk from being safely freeze-dried, such as an equipment failure during processing.

How are refund requests reviewed?

All refund and resolution requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to understand the issue fully and offer the best possible solution, which may include reprocessing or a refund depending on the circumstances.

What happens if there is a packaging mistake?

If there is an error in packaging, we will first offer to repackage your milk correctly. Depending on the situation, a partial refund may also be provided.

What should I do if my order arrives damaged or incomplete?

If you notice damaged packaging, missing items, or shipping concerns, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order. We will review the issue and make it right, which may include reshipping or issuing a refund.

Do you offer refunds if my baby refuses the milk?

No. Refunds are not provided for personal preference outcomes, including milk refusal by your baby. These responses can vary from baby to baby and are outside our control.

How do I request a refund or resolution?

How long does it take to hear back after submitting a request?

Our team responds promptly to all inquiries. Once we review your request, we will reach out with the next steps and work closely with you to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Can I request a refund for taste, texture, or appearance changes?

No. Changes in taste or texture, such as graininess or lumpiness, can naturally occur during the freeze-drying process. These variations depend on the unique composition of each batch of milk, including fat content, and are not grounds for a refund.