Milkify: A Novel Approach To Breast Milk Preservation
Written by Dr. Brittany Barreto, Founder & CEO, FemHealth Insights
In the evolving landscape of maternal healthcare, innovative solutions are critical for addressing the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers. Milkify, a company specializing in transforming frozen breast milk into shelf-stable powder, represents a significant advancement in this domain. The service offers an alternative to traditional breast milk storage methods, aiming to retain vital nutrients in breast milk while extending its usability.
Launched in 2019 by a couple with science and finance backgrounds, Milkify's unique core offering is converting frozen breast milk into a powder form that can be stored for up to three years without losing essential nutrients. Starting at $0.99 per ounce, this process not only aids in preserving the milk's quality but also adds convenience for mothers managing breast milk storage. Serving nearly 5,000 clients and processing over a million ounces of breastmilk, Milkify has demonstrated both the demand and effectiveness of its service.
The process is streamlined for user convenience. Breastfeeders order a shipping kit, send their frozen milk to Milkify, and receive it back in powdered form within two to three weeks. This system offers a practical solution for mothers looking to preserve their milk effectively and efficiently, simplifies the process of traveling, and aids relocating families, especially those in the military, by providing a secure method to transport breast milk. Notably, freeze-dried breastmilk has been instrumental for mothers of NICU babies requiring calorically enriched breast milk, offering an alternative to bovine-based fortifiers and enabling the continuation of a human milk diet.
The freeze-drying service taps into a significant market, with an estimated 2 million households in the U.S. storing breast milk in freezers at any given time. The consumer side of the total addressable market for breast milk storage and preservation solutions in the U.S. alone is valued at least $1 billion. This figure is bolstered by the growing market for breast pumps and pumping accessories, expanding at a rate of 7-8% annually according to various market research reports.
According to the CDC's 2022 breastfeeding report card, at six months, 55.8% of infants are still receiving breast milk, with 24.9% exclusively breastfed. The 2023 State of Breastfeeding survey by Mamava and Medela reveals that three out of four moms use a breast pump and store milk in the freezer, underscoring the necessity for efficient breast milk storage options.
As the FDA moves towards regulating milk banks and human milk products, Milkify’s adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) positions them favorably in this evolving regulatory environment. This is particularly relevant in light of recent infant formula recalls due to concerns of Cronobacter sakazakii contamination, highlighting the critical need for safe handling and processing of infant nutrition products. Milkify's contact-free freeze-drying process ensures that milk is not thawed during processing, thereby maintaining its integrity and minimizing the risk of contamination.
In a world increasingly affected by extreme weather patterns, freeze-dried breastmilk becomes particularly relevant. Power outages, which can lead to the loss of frozen milk, pose a significant risk. Freeze-dried breastmilk eliminates reliance on electricity for storage, offering a resilient solution in the face of such challenges.
Milkify aims to enhance accessibility and expand its reach globally. Future plans include establishing more facilities in the US and internationally. Their first global expansion is in Australia with a sister company, Nourishy which uses the Milkify patented process to help the Mother's Milk Bank Charity in Australia convert their donor milk distributions to freeze-dried. Additionally, Milkify is involved in research initiatives to further understand the benefits of their freeze-drying process on breast milk’s nutritional content.
Breastmilk preservation through freeze-drying technologies and processes contributes to the broader maternal and infant health conversation. The active participation of females in society outside of raising children at home has led to an entire culture of pumping and freezing breastmilk. But with factors such as an increasingly volatile climate and mothers being more active and engaged in work and community than ever before, new technologies to store breastmilk safely for longer periods was an innovation waiting to emerge. By providing a practical and efficient solution for breast milk storage, Milkify supports breastfeeding mothers in their journey, aligning with the growing recognition of the importance of maternal and infant care.
About the Author:
Dr. Brittany Barreto, Ph.D., is Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at FemHealth Insights. Every day, Brittany dedicates her work to advancing women’s health innovation by equipping key stakeholders with data-driven insights and strategic advice on the FemHealth market. She is also host of the FemTech Focus Podcast - the number 1 femtech podcast globally.
