Does freeze-drying breast milk stop bacterial growth?

Breast milk is a valuable source of nutrition for babies, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that support their growth and development. Breast milk can also contain microorganisms. Milksy helps you preserve breast milk by removing a large amount of moisture; this does not make the milk sterile.

What is freeze drying?

Freeze drying is one proces that removes a large amount of moisture from breast milk, creating a dry powder. Nutrients and relevant properties are largely preserved. The low moisture content greatly limits microbial growth, but microorganisms already present are not automatically eliminated.

How does freeze-drying limit microbial growth?

Microorganisms need available moisture to multiply. Freeze-drying removes a large amount of moisture and therefore greatly limits microbial growth. This does not mean that the process removes or kills all bacteria or viruses.

Freeze-drying is not a sterilisation method. It does not automatically eliminate all microorganisms present. Continue to handle, store and prepare freeze-dried breast milk according to our instructions.

Proper handling and storage of freeze-dried breast milk

Proper handling and storage of freeze-dried breast milk includes keeping it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It is also important to use clean and sterile equipment when preparing and feeding breast milk to babies, such as a bottle.

When preparing freeze-dried breast milk, it is important to follow our instructions carefully. This includes at least adding a specific amount of water to the powder to convert the powder back into the correct amount of liquid breast milk.

Benefits of freeze-drying breast milk

Freeze-drying breast milk offers several benefits for both mothers and babies. For mothers, freeze drying offers a convenient way to store breast milk without the need for refrigeration or freezing. This can be especially helpful for working mothers or those who travel and don't have access to a refrigerator or freezer.

Milksy follows HACCP procedures. Freeze-drying does not make breast milk sterile and does not guarantee protection against all microbiological risks. Discuss use for a medically vulnerable baby with the treating doctor or another appropriate healthcare professional.