When it comes to rehydrating freeze dried breast milk, many moms have questions about the right amount of water to use. The water rehydration ratio for freeze dried breast milk can varies between 80–90% or more water depending on each unique expression. There are many factors that contribute to the nutrition density of breast milk from the stage of which you are producing (colostrum / early stage), morning or night expression, diet and personal hydration levels.
Your milk is unique to you and your baby. Having the accurate water ratios for your milk is important when feeding an infant. When freeze drying breast milk, you need to choose a freeze dried breast milk company that takes water weight extraction calculations. Not a standard 1/10 or average ratio accross multiple mothers. For the most accurate water amounts and nutrition density, choose to have your frozen milk processed bag for bag so each unique milk pouch retains its original hydration ratios and stage of milk. ie Colostrum
Freeze Dried Breast Milk Water Rehydration
BoobieJuice offer custom ratios for each individual breast milk singe serving pouches and your custom bulk averages for scoop and serve bulk pouches based on the unique density of milk in each pouch.
BoobieJuice On the Go freeze dried breast milk pouches offer custom ratios for individual breast milk expressions. Your custom labels will have the required amount of warm water to add to rehyrdate back to your orginal milk nutrition ratios.
BoobieJuice At Home freeze dried breast milk pouches provide an average water ratio of your milk found in that pouch on the back label. The label provides tablespoon measurments as well as water to powder ratios to calculate exactly how much you require.
Incorporating Breast Milk Powder into Solid Foods
Breast milk powder can also be incorporated into solid foods to provide a nutritional boost for the baby. Simply sprinkle a little on the baby’s favorite foods and mix it in. This can be especially beneficial for babies who have transitioned to solid foods but still benefit from the nutrients found in breast milk. Breast milk powder can add additional vitamins, minerals, and antibodies to the baby’s diet, enhancing their overall nutrition.
Do’s & Don’ts of Mixing Freeze-Dried Breast Milk
When it comes to preparing freeze-dried breast milk, getting the water ratio right is only one piece of the puzzle. Just like fresh or frozen breast milk, rehydrated milk must be handled with care to protect your baby from harmful bacteria and ensure they receive all the nutritional benefits they need.
These do’s and don’ts are grounded in CDC guidelines and best practices for infant formula and breast milk safety. And for infants and children with weakened immunities, please refer to the CDC’s chronobacteria infographic for additional best practices
DO
Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing a bottle.
Clean hands are the first defense against germs. Before handling your milk powder, dry measuring scoop, bottle, or water, always wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Use clean, pre-sterilized bottles, especially for newborns.
If your baby is under 4 months old, premature, or has a weakened immune system, always use sterilized bottles and vapor distilled water. For older babies, ensure bottles are at least freshly washed and sanitized.
Add the powder to the bottle.
We recommend adding the required amount of powder to the bottle first, according to the ratio listed on the back of the custom BoobieJuice label. This helps avoid clumping when mixing.
Warm the water for better mixing.
Using warm body temperature water (98-103F) helps dissolve and melt the fats in breast milk powder more effectively, especially if your breast milk is high in fat content. We recommend starting with 100F. Think of it like melting butter. Cold water just won’t do the trick. Use a thermometer if you are unsure of your water’s temperature.
Swirl or shake to mix thoroughly.
After adding the water, cap the bottle tightly and swirl it gently. If needed, you can give it a few good shakes to break up the remaining clumps. Let it sit for a few moments to allow the powder to hydrate. This helps everything blend smoothly. If small bubbles appear, allow them to settle prior to giving to the baby. Test the temperature of the liquid and serve.
Small clumps.
If small clumps remain after mixing, the water may not have been warm enough to break up the fats and melt the sugars. Place the bottle in a hot cup of water and allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes, and then swirl again. Remember to test the liquid temperature before giving it to your baby.
Use or store prepared milk safely.
Once rehydrated, feed your baby within 2 hours, then discard any unused milk. You may refrigerate rehydrated breast milk for up to 24 hours after preparing.
Store opened powder pouches correctly.
Once you open a pouch, reseal it tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. Keep out of the refrigerator and out of direct sunlight. Exposure to moisture can lead to bacterial contamination, and excessive heat can break down the fat faster. When properly resealed, both On the GO and At Home BIG Pouches have up to 30 days to use after opening. Discard unused powder after this time.
DON’T
Don’t microwave rehydrated breast milk.
Excessive heat may destroy vital nutrients in breast milk and create dangerous hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth. To warm a bottle, we recommend placing it in a bowl of hot water for 1- 2 minutes. Take out briefly to swirl and mix. Remember to test the temperature before serving.
Don’t store milk after the baby has started drinking from the bottle.
Once feeding has begun, bacteria from your baby’s mouth can get into the milk. If the bottle is unfinished after feeding, discard the remaining milk.
Don’t freeze rehydrated breast milk.
Re-freezing rehydrated milk can cause an increased risk of bacterial growth. Do not refreeze rehydrated breast milk.
Don’t store the scoop inside the pouch.
It might seem convenient, but storing the scoop inside the bag introduces moisture, especially if it’s damp from washing or the air is humid. Store your scoop in a clean, dry container between uses.
Don’t use too much or too little water.
Always follow the ratio provided on your BoobieJuice label or instructions. When fortifying a baby’s food, make sure they are receiving adequate amounts of water first. Consult with your baby’s nutritionist or pediatrician for specific daily caloric instructions. BoobieJuice offers nutritional breast milk testing to obtain your unique kCal.
Don’t use expired powder or damaged pouches.
Check the use-by date on your label before using. If moisture has entered the pouch or the seal is broken, discard the powder immediately. Safety first is the priority for freeze dried and frozen milk.
Don’t forget to test the milk temperature before feeding.
After warming or mixing, put a few drops of milk on the inside of your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot. It should be comparable to your body’s temperature. If it’s too hot, cool the bottle under running water or in an ice bath until it reaches the right temperature.
