Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about freeze drying breastmilk, storage, delivery, and our service.
What exactly is freeze drying breastmilk?
Freeze drying breastmilk (lyophilised breastmilk) is your breastmilk that has had all moisture removed through a cold-vacuum process called lyophilisation — resulting in a fine powder. No heat is used at any stage, so every nutrient, antibody, and probiotic in your milk is preserved intact. The powder can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 years and reconstituted with warm water when needed.
Is freeze drying breastmilk as nutritious as fresh or frozen milk?
Research on lyophilisation consistently shows >95% retention of secretory IgA (the primary immune factor in breastmilk), >90% of lactoferrin, and preserved probiotic viability. This is significantly better than pasteurisation (which destroys 60–70% of IgA) and comparable to freshly expressed milk. The main advantage over frozen milk is the 3-year shelf life and room-temperature storage.
Who is this service suitable for?
Our service is suitable for any breastfeeding mother who wants to preserve their milk for extended use. Common reasons include: returning to work, frequent travel, lipase issues (baby rejecting frozen milk), oversupply and freezer space constraints, NICU/hospital stays where pumped milk is accumulating, and weaning mothers who want to preserve their last batches.
What areas do you currently serve?
We provide home pickup and delivery services across West Malaysia & Singapore. If you are in a different state or region, please WhatsApp us — we may be able to arrange cold-chain courier collection and receive our packaging kit to safely send us your milk. Coverage is subject to availability.
Do you serve fathers, caregivers, or donors placing orders on behalf of a mother?
Yes. Orders and pickups can be coordinated through any family member or caregiver. The batch ID and processing certificate will still be issued in the mother's name. Just let us know the arrangement when you contact us via WhatsApp.
How do I know I will get my own milk back?
This is the most important question we receive, and our entire process is built around answering it definitively. From the moment of collection, your milk receives a unique Batch ID (e.g., TBC-2026-0812). Your milk is processed in a completely dedicated freeze drying run — no other milk shares the chamber. Every sachet in your delivery is printed with your custom sachet volume.
Is my milk ever combined with another mother's milk?
Never. Under any circumstances. This is a non-negotiable operational standard. Each batch is a single mother's milk, processed alone in a dedicated freeze drying cycle. Your Batch ID documentation provides independent verification at every stage.
Is the process and facility safe?
We operate a dedicated breastmilk processing facility using pharmaceutical-grade equipment. All staff are trained in food-grade hygiene protocols and cold chain management. Equipment is sterilised between every batch. Our cold chain is maintained below −15°C from collection to freeze drying. Full processing documentation is generated for every batch.
What if my milk quality was questionable before freezing?
Freeze drying preserves the state of your milk at the time of processing — it does not improve or worsen the underlying milk quality. If your milk was contaminated or improperly stored before collection, we may not be able to guarantee results. If we identify any concerns during our intake check, we will contact you before proceeding. In this case, the money-back guarantee applies if we are unable to process successfully.
What is the 100% money-back guarantee?
We offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If for any reason your breastmilk cannot be processed for freeze drying, you will receive a full refund. We are committed to finding a satisfactory solution for every mother we serve. Contact us via WhatsApp or at hello@thebreastmilk.co and we will assist you.
How long does the entire process take?
From the day we collect your milk to the day we deliver your powder sachets: 30–60 working day turnaround. Supersaver Pack customers receive priority processing at 30–45 working days. We keep you updated throughout the process via WhatsApp at every key stage.
What happens step by step?
- You place your order on the website.
- We confirm a pickup window within 24 business hours.
- We collect your frozen milk from home in insulated transport.
- Your milk is assigned a unique Batch ID and checked in at our facility.
- Your milk undergoes pharmaceutical-grade freeze drying.
- Powder is QC-checked, portioned, and sealed into custom-sized labeled sachets.
- Your completed order is delivered back to your home.
See our How It Works page for complete details.
How do I prepare my milk for collection?
Before collection, do a visual check of your milk bags — ensure none are torn, damaged, leaking, or dirty. Thawed milk should not be sent for freeze drying as the quality may already be compromised. Set aside the milk you are freeze drying and keep it frozen until we arrive. We will use cooler bags, boxes, and ice packs to keep the milk frozen during transport to our facility.
Can I add more milk after placing my order?
Yes, before your pickup date. If you are actively pumping and want to include additional milk, just let us know via WhatsApp before we arrive. Once collected and entered into processing, we cannot add to a batch. However, we can schedule a second collection for a new batch at standard rates.
Do I receive updates during processing?
Yes — you receive WhatsApp messages at four key stages: (1) Pickup confirmation with total volume and Batch ID. (2) Batch entered into processing. (3) Processing complete and packaging underway. (4) Order dispatched update. You can also check your order status anytime on our Track Order page.
What comes in my delivery?
Your delivery includes all custom-sized labeled sealed powder sachets — each printed with the exact water amount to add.
What are the sachets like?
Your sachets are sealed food-grade pouches, custom-sized to match YOUR specific milk yield — not a generic one-size-fits-all format. Each sachet is sealed airtight and printed with the exact amount of water to add for reconstitution. The water amount is calculated specifically for your milk's concentration.
How are the sachets sized?
We custom-size your sachets based on YOUR specific milk yield. After freeze drying, the total powder yield is divided into appropriate portions and sealed. This means your sachets are sized to work perfectly with your own milk's characteristics.
How many sachets will I receive?
The number of sachets depends on your total milk volume and the portion size we use for your batch. We will confirm the exact count when we deliver.
How is the delivery packaged?
Your sachets are delivered in a protective box with padding to prevent damage in transit. The outer box is discreet and professional. Each sachet is individually protected within the box.
What are your packages and prices?
We offer four packages, all inclusive of home pickup, freeze drying, labeling, and home delivery:
- 🌱 Trial Pack — Up to 1.5L — RM 199
- 🌿 Starter Pack — Up to 5L — RM 599
- 🌸 Essential Pack — Up to 15L — RM 1,299 (Most Popular)
- 🏆 Supersaver Pack — Up to 30L — RM 1,899
See the full Packages page for a detailed comparison.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Your package price is fully inclusive of home pickup, processing, labeling, and home delivery within our service areas. The only potential addition is a courier fee for remote locations, which is discussed and agreed before any collection.
What if my milk volume is between two package tiers?
Choose the package that covers your volume. For example, if you have 8L, choose the Essential Pack (up to 15L). If your volume slightly exceeds the package limit, we will contact you before processing to discuss an upgrade. You pay the package rate, not a per-litre rate.
When and how do I pay?
Payment is throught Stripe and the team will WhatsApp after your order is confirmed and before pickup. We also accept bank transfer (all major Malaysian banks), and DuitNow. Payment confirms your booking slot.
How do I place an order?
Go to our Packages page, select your package, and click "Select Package". You can complete the checkout or WhatsApp us directly at +60 18 280 0782. We're available Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
How do I reconstitute the powder for feeding?
Each sachet label shows the exact amount of warm water to add — specifically calculated for your milk. Prepare water at 40–45°C, add the powder, and gently swirl until fully dissolved. Feed immediately or within 2 hours. Do not microwave. The exact water amount is printed on every sachet label — no guesswork needed.
Does it taste the same as fresh breastmilk?
Reconstituted freeze drying breastmilk tastes very close to freshly expressed milk. Many mothers report that babies who previously rejected frozen milk (due to lipase) accept the powder readily. The freeze drying process neutralises excess lipase activity — which is why it is particularly effective for mothers with high lipase milk.
Can I mix the powder into solid food or formula?
Yes — this is one of the most popular ways to use freeze drying breastmilk. You can sprinkle the powder into formula for added nutrition, or mix it into purées, porridge, or any soft foods as your baby starts solids. It is also a great way to continue providing breastmilk benefits during weaning without the need to bottle-feed.
Can I use a bottle warmer after reconstitution?
Yes — once reconstituted into liquid form, you can warm the bottle using a standard bottle warmer, just as you would with expressed or formula milk. Ensure the water used for reconstitution is already at 40–45°C. Test the temperature on your wrist before feeding. Do not exceed 45°C to protect the nutritional integrity.
What if my baby refuses the reconstituted milk?
Contact us via WhatsApp or at hello@thebreastmilk.co. We are here to help. In many cases, babies accept freeze drying milk readily — particularly those who previously rejected frozen milk due to lipase. If you experience any issues, our team will work with you to find the best path forward.
How long can the powder be stored?
Sealed sachets can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 years from the freeze drying date (printed on your box). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Once a sachet is opened, consume within 2 hours. Refrigeration is not required for sealed sachets.
Do I need to refrigerate the sachets?
No — sealed sachets are shelf-stable at room temperature for up to 3 years. This is one of the key advantages over frozen or refrigerated breastmilk. You can keep them in a pantry, cupboard, or travel bag. Once opened and reconstituted, treat the liquid milk as you would any fresh breastmilk — refrigerate and consume within 2 hours at room temperature or 24 hours in the fridge.
What happens if a sachet is accidentally exposed to moisture or heat?
If a sealed sachet is exposed to significant moisture (e.g., submerged in water) or extreme heat (above 40°C for extended periods), the protective seal may be compromised and the powder quality affected. Inspect sachets regularly — if the powder has clumped or changed colour, do not use. Store in a consistently cool, dry location to maximise shelf life.
Can I travel internationally with the powder sachets?
Yes. Freeze drying powder sachets are shelf-stable, require no refrigeration, and generally pass through airport security without issue. We recommend carrying your processing certificate (especially for international travel) as documentation. Each sachet is clearly labeled with the reconstitution amount. Always check the regulations of your destination country for importing food/infant products.