Frequently Asked Questions

At Bébé Bru we have implemented multiple layers of quality control measures to ensure each mom’s milk is tracked from start to finish with a special customer ID as well as an order ID.

From the moment your breast milk order is received, it is documented through our specially curated internal tracking system, which also includes photos. This thorough one-at-a-time processing system begins from the time the order is placed, to when it is received, follows your milk through the freeze-drying process, and then finally to packaging and shipping back to you. This solo processing ensures no cross-contamination or mix-ups.

Each customer's order is assigned a unique ID code, allowing us to monitor your milk's journey meticulously.

For added transparency, photos will be sent to you throughout the process! Your breast milk is then packaged in single-serve packages and shipped back to you!

Turnaround time varies on the amount of breast milk that you send to us. If you have a rush order, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate! Our goal turnaround time is 10 days from the time we receive your milk.

It is expected to have a shelf life of 4 years!

Our package pricing is determined by the ounces of milk you choose to send. Please visit our packages page to see the cost breakdown. These prices include shipping.

It's important to note that the extent of nutrient retention can vary depending on several factors, including the specific freeze-drying process, equipment used, and the initial nutrient composition of the breast milk. Not all processes for freeze-drying breast milk are the same. Our process has been scientifically crafted to ensure the nutritional content of your breast milk is of the utmost importance. Freeze-drying breast milk is considered one of the most effective methods for preserving the nutritional content.

Macronutrients:

• Proteins: Freeze-drying typically preserves the proteins in breast milk quite well. The essential amino acids and immune-boosting proteins remain intact.

• Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates in breast milk, primarily lactose, are also retained during freeze-drying.

• Fats: The fats in breast milk are relatively stable during freeze-drying, preserving the valuable lipids, including essential fatty acids that are crucial for a baby's development.

Vitamins and Minerals:

• Vitamins such as A, D, E, and K: Freeze-drying typically preserves fat-soluble vitamins quite well, as they are less sensitive to heat and dehydration. These vitamins are generally retained in freeze-dried breast milk.

Minerals

• Calcium and Phosphorus: These essential minerals are relatively stable during freeze-drying and are usually retained in freeze-dried breast milk.
• Zinc: Zinc is generally well-preserved in freeze-dried breast milk.
• Sodium and Potassium: Sodium and potassium levels have shown to remain relatively stable in freeze-dried breast milk.

Immune Factors:

• Many immune factors and antibodies present in breast milk remain active after freeze-drying, providing essential protection to the baby's immune system. Studies have shown an 80% retention in IgG and IgM antibodies and 75% of IgA antibodies.

Bioactive Factors:

• Bioactive components, such as growth factors and hormones, are generally preserved during freeze-drying.

Freeze-drying breast milk does not eliminate lipase; instead, it can help halt the lipase activity. In fact, freeze-drying is one of the methods that can be used to preserve breast milk for mothers who have high lipase content in their milk. High lipase levels can lead to a sour or soapy taste in stored breast milk over time, which some babies may find unpalatable. Here's how freeze-drying helps with this issue:

• If a mother has breast milk with high lipase activity, it means that the lipase in her milk is particularly effective at breaking down fats. This can sometimes lead to a sour or soapy taste in stored breast milk over time, which some babies may find unpalatable.

• Freeze-drying breast milk helps preserve the lipase activity by maintaining the integrity of the enzymes present in the milk. It does not stop or eliminate lipase activity; rather, it keeps the enzymes functional during the preservation process. This can be beneficial for mothers who want to store their breast milk for an extended period while maintaining its nutritional value and digestibility for their babies.

• Due to freeze drying being so good at retaining the nutritional value of breast milk, it will not remove the lipase enzyme but rather minimize the lipase-related changes. Freeze-drying breast milk involves freezing it at low temperatures and then removing the moisture under vacuum conditions through sublimation. This process effectively preserves the lipase enzymes present in the breast milk.
• By freeze-drying breast milk, you can prevent or minimize the chemical reactions that cause lipase-related changes because you are removing the water. These changes occur more slowly in freeze-dried breast milk compared to fresh milk or milk that has been stored through other methods like refrigeration or freezing.
• Long-Term Storage: Freeze-dried breast milk can be stored for an extended period without significant changes in taste or quality, making it a suitable option for mothers with high lipase content in their milk.

We take milk in disposable breastmilk bags! They can be plastic or silicone. We do not accept any glass jars currently.

• The amount of packets you get back is dependent on how much milk you send as well as the makeup of your own personal milk. Freeze-drying removes the water from the breast milk. By adding the correct amount of water back into the powder during reconstituting, you are simply replacing what was removed during the freeze-drying process. If you send in 100 oz., you will receive enough powder back to make 100 oz. of milk.

• How do I reconstitute the powder? You will find reconstitution instructions on the back of each single-serve packet. We offer both 2 oz. and 4 oz. packets. You can choose one size or a combination of both. Because each mom has a different makeup of her breast milk, each single-serve packet is filled specially with your specific reconstitution amounts of powder. After receiving your single-serve packet, you will empty the packet into a bottle. Fill with warm purified water until it reaches the designated mark from the packet instructions. Then swirl and lightly shake and you have a ready-to-feed bottle!

You can safely store an opened packet and reuse within 24 hours of opening. We also provide an option when you select your package size to choose between 4 oz. and 2 oz. bottle packets - OR BOTH! If you often make 6 oz. bottle for your baby, choosing a mix of sizes can eliminate having to preserve an opened packet.

It depends on the packet size you select when you make your order. The 4 oz. bottle packets make one, 4 oz. ready-to-feed bottle. The 2 oz. bottle packets make one, 2 oz. ready-to-feed bottle. Or combine the two sizes and make a 6 oz. bottle.

We do not accept milk older than 1 year.

Our NanoCool™ shippers are medical grade shipping coolers created specifically for shipping frozen items. Each panel within the box is a vacuum-sealed panel with a special core material. These shippers have proven to be much more effective than a typical styrofoam box. As long as your shipper is packed in accordance with our instructions, no dry ice is needed!

Go to our process page to learn how to pack the NanoCool™ shipper.

Milk must be frozen before sending it to us or dropping it off at our facility.

1. 3-stage Temperature Tracking and Quality Checks: Your milk is always kept frozen!
   1. Incoming: Use infrared thermometers to check each bag to ensure that the incoming breast milk is at the ideal temperature ensuring its quality and freshness.
   2. Out of Freezer: Monitor the temperature as the milk is taken out of the freezer to ensure the milk is still frozen during the transfer process into the freeze dryers
   3. Into Dryer: Confirm the milk's temperature before entering the dryer to guarantee the effectiveness of the freeze-drying process.
2. All freeze-drying units are monitored via internal sensors to track temp and pressure throughout the duration of the drying process. Our unique sensors notify employees if any process deviation is to occur allowing for fast and effective corrective actions to maintain product quality and integrity.
3.  Incoming Packaging Integrity Check:
   1. Before the freeze-drying process, inspect all packaging to ensure no leaks, damages, or contamination that could compromise the quality of the breast milk.
   2. Employ visual inspections of shipping boxes to ensure no tampering has occurred.
4. Laboratory-grade Water Activity Testing:
   1. Post-drying: After the drying process, we conduct water activity checks to ensure the water activity is within the range deemed safe to prevent any microbial growth. This is why at Bébé Bru, we do not have to use oxygen/moisture absorbers. As one of our quality control measures, we take a SMALL sample of milk to check the dryness of each batch as this is THE ONLY way to ensure dryness for shelf stability.
5. Custom Rehydration Formulas for Each Batch:
   1. Understanding that each batch might have variations, create specific rehydration guidelines for each batch.
   2. This ensures that when the dried product is rehydrated, it returns to a liquid form that matches its original state as possible.
6. Complete Order Segregation:
   1. Dedicate specific equipment, tools, and workstations for each mother's order to ensure there's no cross-contamination.
   2. Implement stringent cleaning and sanitizing protocols between orders to uphold the highest quality and safety standards.
      
7. Sealed Product Monitoring:
   1. Once the product is packaged, we use machine and manual inspections to ensure every pouch is perfectly sealed.
8. Equipment Sterilization:
   1. At Bébé Bru, we have strictly designed SSOP’s to restrict and limit any physical, biological, or chemical adulterants.
   2. Utilize specific sterilization techniques unique to specific equipment. All equipment undergoes chemical and heat sterilization, alongside pre-packaging UV treatment for packaging equipment.
   3. Regularly inspect equipment for wear, tear, and potential contamination risks + preventative maintenance plan for all equipment.
9. Storage Conditions:
   1. Monitor storage areas to maintain a consistent, cool temperature.
   2. Ensure areas are free from pests and contaminants.
   3. Implement a first-in, first-out inventory system to prevent prolonged storage of products.
10. Shelf-Life Testing:
    1. Periodically test samples that have been stored for varying lengths of time to ensure they retain quality, nutritional value, and safety.
    2. Establish a clear expiration date based on findings and consistently label products that are backed by 3^rd party lab analysis.
11. Employee Training:
    1. Ensure all staff are well-trained in the importance of hygiene, correct handling procedures, and the intricacies of the freeze-drying process. Our staff has extensive training designed by a biochemical engineer who specifically specializes in food safety and freeze drying as well as our operations manager. Our operations manager holds a food science degree from Auburn University and holds the following certifications: -HACCP, PCQI
SQF Internal Auditor, SQF Implementation and Food Defense Awareness
    2. Conduct regular training sessions and updates to keep all staff informed about best practices and any changes in protocols.
    3. All staff members have specialized backgrounds, training, and certifications.

Nation-wide! We also offer local drop-off/pickup for those who live close to Belgrade, MT.

The minimum amount we take is 40 oz. Any quantities over 200 oz. are considered a custom order and will be handled on a personal, case-by-case basis. We are set up to take care of any and all large orders and have no limits on how much or how often you can use the service. 

We provide regular updates with photos via email once you submit your order. From when we ship your packing kit, to when your milk is on its way back to you.

Yes! Since no refrigeration is needed, you can leave your cooler at home! Traveling with breast milk has never been easier!

• Moisture Sensitivity: While freeze-dried breast milk is a dry product, it is hygroscopic, meaning it easily absorbs moisture from the environment. If any moisture enters the packaging or is not completely absorbed by moisture absorbers, it can cause the milk powder to clump and promote the growth of mold and bacteria.

• Limited Absorption Capacity: Oxygen and moisture absorbers can only absorb a certain amount of oxygen and moisture. If the absorbers have reached their capacity or if the packaging is compromised and allows air and humidity to enter, their effectiveness is diminished.

• Permeability of Packaging: If the packaging material is not entirely impermeable to gases and moisture, oxygen and moisture can slowly seep in over time, making the absorbers less effective. It is crucial your breast milk is packaged in appropriate packaging.

• Storage Conditions: The effectiveness of these absorbers is also dependent on the storage conditions, such as temperature and light exposure. High temperatures can accelerate the degradation process, and light can promote oxidation, regardless of the presence of oxygen absorbers.

Because of these factors, while oxygen and moisture absorbers can help to extend the shelf life of freeze-dried breast milk, they are not foolproof and cannot ensure the product remains of high quality indefinitely. This is why checking the water activity prior to packaging your milk is a quality control point that must be passed in our facility.

In honor of your or your family member's service, get special savings at Bébé Bru. A custom discount is available to those who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, including the National Guard and Reserve. Please get in touch with us at info@thebebebru.com to receive your discount today!