Most conversations about breastfeeding focus on the health of the baby. We often hear about antibodies and nutrition. While those factors are vital, a significant new study highlights how breastfeeding serves the mother as well. Research recently published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) suggests that breastfeeding may offer long term protection against depression and anxiety for mothers.
This discovery marks a turning point in maternal health. While the early days of nursing can be a challenge, science shows that the effort invested today could benefit mental well-being for a decade or more.
The Study: A Decade of Data on Maternal Health
The study followed a group of 10,000 mothers mothers in Ireland over a ten year period. Researchers looked at the relationship between breastfeeding habits and later instances of depression and anxiety. The findings were clear. Mothers who breastfed for longer durations showed a lower risk of developing these mental health struggles ten years later.
Researchers followed these women from the time their children were nine months old until they reached the age of thirteen. By using validated tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale, the study provided a clear look at maternal mental health over a decade.
The Results: Breastfeeding Supports Mental Wellness
The findings showed a significant link between breastfeeding and reduced psychological distress. Mothers who initiated breastfeeding were less likely to report high levels of depression and anxiety ten years later compared to those who did not. The most protective effects were found in mothers who breastfed for six months or longer.
Crucially, these results remained consistent even after researchers adjusted for other factors. They accounted for maternal education, family income, smoking habits, and even the mother’s mental health history prior to the study. This suggests that the act of breastfeeding itself creates a unique, lasting benefit for the maternal brain.
This study is a prospective observational study. This means it tracked real life outcomes over a long period. It provides a deeper look than short term research. It suggests that the hormonal and emotional shifts that occur during breastfeeding have a lasting impact on the maternal brain.
Make It Make Sense: What’s Breastfeeding’s Role?
The connection between nursing and mental wellness is rooted in biology. The process of breastfeeding or pumping releases oxytocin. This hormone helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of calm. These repeated hormonal shifts help the body manage cortisol, the primary stress hormone.
The study indicates that these benefits do not disappear once the baby is weaned. Instead, the process of breastfeeding appears to help regulate the maternal nervous system in a way that provides lasting resilience. Choosing to breastfeed is an investment in long-term health and happiness for the mother.
Supporting the Journey with Effective Tools
Maintaining a breastfeeding routine is not always easy. Many mothers return to work or face challenges with their milk supply. To reap the long term benefits identified in this study, you need a support system that works for your lifestyle. A high quality breast pump is a crucial part of that system.
At Hygeia Health, we specialize in hospital grade breast pumps designed to mimic the natural rhythm of a baby. Hygeia’s pumps, like the Hygeia Express, help you maintain your supply efficiently. This allows you to continue providing breast milk even when you are away from your baby. When you have the right tools, reaching your breastfeeding goals becomes much more manageable.
Secure a Pump to Begin Your Journey
Your mental health matters just as much as your baby’s nutrition. We want to help you achieve the long term wellness benefits highlighted in the latest research. Most insurance plans cover the cost of a high quality breast pump at no cost to you.
Let Hygeia check your insurance coverage and apply for a 100% insurance-covered breast pump today. Hygeia Health can support your journey toward a healthier and more confident future.
As a mother, you likely treat every ounce of your breast milk like the precious resource it is. Traditional storage usually involves a refrigerator or a freezer. However, a new trend is gaining popularity: freeze-dried breast milk. You might wonder if this process is safe for your baby and what the potential drawbacks might be.
This blog post will provide you with the facts. Understanding both the benefits and the risks of freeze-drying can help you decide if it is the right choice for your family.
What is Freeze-Drying?
Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a process that removes water from breast milk. The milk is first frozen at an extremely low temperature. Then, it is placed in a vacuum where the ice turns directly into vapor. What remains is a fine powder that can be stored at room temperature for up to three years.
Because freeze-drying relies on cold temperatures and a vacuum rather than high heat, the proteins and vitamins in your milk remain largely intact.
The Biggest Risks of Freeze-Dried Breast Milk
While the process is generally safe when performed by professionals, there are specific risks that parents should consider before sending their milk off to be processed.
Contamination Risks: The biggest concern is the environment where the milk is processed. If a facility does not follow medical-grade sterilization protocols, bacteria can be introduced into the powder. It is vital to use a service that tests for heavy metals and microbial activity.
Loss of Live Components: While vitamins and minerals are stable, freeze-drying can reduce the levels of live cells and certain antibodies. Fresh or frozen milk contains more “living” immune-protective components than the powdered version.
Reconstitution Errors: When you turn the powder back into liquid, the ratio of water to milk must be exact. If you use too much water, your baby will not get enough calories. If you use too little, it can put a strain on your baby’s kidneys and digestive system.
Home Processing Dangers: Some companies sell home freeze-drying kits. These are often difficult to keep sterile and may not reach the temperatures required to safely preserve human milk. Professional services are much safer.
Why Moms Choose Freeze-Drying
Despite the risks, the convenience of freeze-drying is a major draw for busy mothers. It solves several common problems. You can reclaim your freezer space by replacing bulky milk bags with compact pouches. It is also a favorite for traveling mothers. You do not need to worry about dry ice or finding a freezer at a hotel.
The Importance of Quality Expression
Whether you plan to freeze your milk or have it freeze-dried, the process begins with effective milk expression. To build a sufficient stash, you need a reliable, efficient pump that mimics your baby’s natural rhythm.
At Hygeia Health, we specialize in high quality, hospital grade breast pumps. These tools help you maximize your milk production while ensuring your comfort. Having the right pump makes it much easier to collect enough milk for long-term storage or specialized processing.
We are here to support your breastfeeding journey. Most insurance plans cover the cost of a high quality breast pump at no cost to you. Check your insurance coverage and apply for a breast pump today that is 100% covered. Let us help you provide the best nutrition for your baby with the most advanced tools available.
2025 was a landmark year for mothers and their babies. There were several significant shifts in how society supports breastfeeding. Breakthroughs ranged from new federal laws to scientific discoveries. This year was about more than just headlines. It was about real progress in the rights and resources available to mothers. Whether it was a viral moment that sparked a national conversation or a major research study on the benefits of human milk, 2025 kept a focus on the strength and resilience of nursing mothers.
Here is Hygeia’s roundup of the most impactful stories and wins from the past twelve months.
Legal & Policy Breakthroughs
The BABES Enhancement Act Signed into Law
In November, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act was signed. It mandates that the TSA provide enforceable, hygienic guidance for handling breast milk and pumping equipment at airports.
The NEST Act Introduction
The Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act was introduced in the House to fund “newborn supply kits”. This includes breastfeeding supplies specifically for families in maternal health deserts and rural areas.
Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act
This bipartisan bill gained traction in late 2025. It aims to ensure all VA medical centers provide private, hygienic spaces for nursing veterans and employees.
Scientific Discoveries & Research
The “Circadian Milk” Study
A Rutgers study published in Frontiers in Nutrition (Sept 2025) revealed that breast milk’s composition changes drastically throughout a 24-hour cycle. Melatonin peaks at midnight to aid sleep, while cortisol peaks at 6 a.m. to support alertness.
Ig Nobel Prize for Garlic Milk
Researchers won the 2025 Ig Nobel Prize for a study proving baby’s preference for flavored milk. The study showed that infants suckle longer when milk is flavored by garlic from the mother’s diet, debunking the myth that “bland is better.”
NICU Milestone
As of November 2025, over 55% of U.S. Level III and IV NICUs have officially transitioned to an “Exclusive Human Milk Diet” (EHMD). This means they use 100% breastmilk-based fortifiers instead of cow-milk alternatives.
Viral & News Headlines
FEMA Emergency Planning Update
In a win for advocates, FEMA updated its 2025 guidelines to explicitly include breastfeeding supplies and donor milk in federal emergency preparedness and disaster response plans.
The “Morning vs. Night” Milk Labeling Trend
Following the Rutgers research, a viral TikTok trend saw thousands of “pumping moms” color-coding their milk storage bags (yellow for day, blue for night) to help babies regulate their sleep schedules.
Public Pumping and Breastfeeding Incidents
Mother’s shamed for public breastfeeding or pumping created backlash for businesses but support for mothers In November, Aris Smith Kopiec went viral on Instagram after being kicked out of a Georgia restaurant for breastfeeding at the table. The incident sparked protests and a “nurse-in” at the location. Meanwhile, mother of twins, Dr. Elise Turner, was asked to leave a business class lounge for pumping under her shirt. The story made international headlines, forcing a public apology from the Virgin Australia airline.
Celebrity & Pop Culture Moments
Claudia Oshry sparked a massive online discussion in December about the safety and ethics of returning to weight-loss medications (like Ozempic/Wegovy) immediately after finishing her breastfeeding journey. Megan Fox and MGK welcomed their daughter, Saga Blade, and Fox’s aesthetic social media posts featured her nursing journey, helping keep the conversation around “natural parenting” trending.
Gisele Bündchen and Rihanna both welcomed their third child and continue to advocate for breastfeeding and natural parenting, while first time parents Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt opened up about their breastfeeding journey.
Hygeia Expands support for mothers
At Hygeia Health, we remain dedicated to providing the high-quality tools you need to provide for your baby with confidence. To better support you, we proudly expanded our offerings in 2025 launching our new maternity garment line. These pieces are designed with comfort and style in mind. They are aimed at helping mothers feel supported from pregnancy through postpartum.
Hygeia’s primary focus continues to be helping mothers access a high quality breast pump covered 100% by insurance. We believe that every mother deserves the best technology available, and we work hard to make the application process simple and accessible.
As 2025 comes to a close, it is clear that the landscape for breastfeeding and pumping mothers is stronger than ever. As we move into a new year, Hygeia Health remains your partner in health and motherhood. We are here to help you every step of the way and plan to continue expanding the ways we support you in 2026.
Your pumped breast milk is often called ‘liquid gold,’ and that label is spot-on—it’s a powerful, living source of nutrition and protection for your baby. Dedicating yourself to pumping, is just the first step of the process a. Knowing exactly how to handle and store your expressed breast milk is what gives you peace of mind.
Your milk is packed with live antibodies and nutrients, and proper storage is essential to preserving its integrity. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering you the straightforward, reliable rules you need. We specialize in high-quality breast pumps like the Hygeia Express because effective milk expression is the foundation of safe storage. Let’s dive into the essential facts about your baby’s liquid gold.
The Essential Rules of Breast Milk Storage
Safe storage is non-negotiable. The preferred storage method for freshly expressed milk is simply a refrigerator and having there for no more than 4 days. However, life is wild and many situations won’t present handy refrigerator storage. Additionally, you may want to to have a back-up supply of milk and the freezer will be necessary. Follow these simple guidelines—often called the “Rule of 4s” to help you remember 4 hours on the counter or 4 days in the fridge. Always remember to store milk in clean containers labeled clearly with the date and amount.
- Countertop: Up to 4 Hours
- Insulated Cooler: Up to 24 Hours
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 Days
- Freezer: Up to 6 Months
- Deep Freezer: Up to 12 Months
Simple Storage Tips:
Beyond the time guidelines for storage, safety depends on precise handling. Here are a few essential tips for ensuring the quality of every ounce you store.
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Combine Safely: Only combine milk from different sessions if the newer milk has first been cooled to the same temperature as the older, chilled milk. Never mix warm milk with cold or frozen milk.
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Small Portions: Store milk in 2 to 4-ounce portions. This prevents waste and allows for quicker cooling and thawing, which helps preserve those vital nutrients.
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Thawing Wisdom: Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight. For faster thawing, use a bowl of warm water.
- Never use a microwave to thaw or warm milk, as this destroys antibodies and creates dangerous hot spots.
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Never Refreeze: Thawed breast milk must be used within 24 hours (if thawed in the refrigerator) and must never be frozen again.
The FAQ of Stored Milk
Why does my stored milk look separated?
This is completely normal! Breast milk separates into layers when stored. The creamy, fatty layer (hindmilk) rises to the top, and the watery layer (foremilk) stays at the bottom. Gently swirl the container to remix the layers before feeding; do not shake it vigorously.
Why are the colors different?
The color can vary greatly based on your diet, hydration, and supplements. For instance, green milk can result from eating green vegetables or certain vitamins; yellow or orange milk is common if you have a high intake of beta-carotene. As long as the milk smells fresh, these color changes are usually safe. Learn more about your breast milk colors here.
Why does thawed milk smell soapy or metallic?
This is often due to high levels of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats. While the milk is still safe and nutritious, some babies may dislike the resulting taste. To prevent this, you can scald (heat quickly, then cool) fresh milk before freezing it to deactivate the lipase.
What does spoiled milk smell like?
Spoiled milk smells distinctly sour, rancid, or cheesy—like spoiled cow’s milk. If there is any noticeable bad odor after thawing, discard it immediately.
Keep your confidence with the right pump
We know the effort it takes to maintain your supply and ensure safe storage. That commitment is why we engineer high-quality hospital-grade breast pumps that deliver consistent, effective milk expression—a crucial factor in your success. Because most insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump, we at Hygeia love helping moms figure out their coverage.
Let us support your confidence in providing the best for your baby. Apply today and Hygeia will assist in getting your high quality breast pump covered 100% by your insurance.
Maternity leave is often talked about as this peaceful stretch of time when you bond with your baby; you get to rest, and enjoy slow days at home. The truth, if you ask any experienced mother, is usually quite different.
For many mothers, maternity leave is a mix of recovery, learning curves, emotional highs and lows, and the nonstop needs of a newborn. The gap between expectation and reality can feel huge, and that gap is exactly what leaves many women feeling unprepared.
This article takes a clear look at common misconceptions about maternity leave. Instead we hope to give the reality of what the early weeks are like and how you can prepare in practical, confidence-building ways.
Misconception 1: “Maternity leave will feel like a break.”
Reality: Maternity leave is not a vacation. Your body is healing. Your hormones are shifting. Your sleep is interrupted every few hours. Most mothers spend their days feeding, pumping, soothing, and repeating the cycle. Even moments of rest are tied to your baby’s schedule.
How to prepare:
- Build a support plan for meals, household tasks, and childcare for older children before you deliver if possible.
- Do not turn down help even if you think you “should” be able to do it all yourself.
- Create a simple feeding plan. If you plan to breastfeed or pump, know what resources are available before your baby arrives.
Misconception 2: “I’ll have plenty of time to get things done.”
Reality: Newborns often nurse eight to twelve times per day. Feeding sessions can be long, and the hours between them pass quickly. Many mothers are surprised at how little time they have for anything beyond basic needs.
How to prepare:
- Lower your expectations for productivity. Your only goals should be to recover while nurturing and feeding your baby.
- Stock up on easy, one-handed snacks and bottles of water for breastfeeding or pumping sessions.
- Create small “stations” around the house: diapers in more than one room, burp cloths within reach, and a comfortable spot to nurse or pump.
Misconception 3: “Bonding will happen instantly.”
Reality: Many mothers expect love to rush in the moment their baby arrives. While this does happen for some, bonding can also develop slowly. You are recovering physically and learning a new baby who is still figuring out how to communicate with you.
How to prepare:
- Give yourself grace if bonding takes time and know it is common with many mothers.
- Practice skin-to-skin as much as you can; even if you are not breastfeeding, letting baby sleep skin to skin helps the bond.
- Talk with your partner or support person about emotional check-ins during the first few weeks.
Misconception 4: “Breastfeeding will come naturally.”
Reality: Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby. Sore nipples, latch challenges, and round-the-clock feedings can make the beginning feel overwhelming. Many women assume they are “doing it wrong” when the truth is that the early weeks are an adjustment period.
How to prepare:
- Meet with a lactation consultant before birth or schedule an appointment for the first week home. You can also have one visit you while you are in the hospital.
- Learn the basics of latch, feeding cues, and normal newborn behavior.
- If you plan to pump, choose a hospital-grade breast pump so you can establish and maintain supply more comfortably during this demanding season.
Misconception 5: “I’ll feel like myself again in a few weeks.”
Reality: Physical recovery can take several months. Emotional recovery can take even longer. You may feel tired, overwhelmed, or sensitive in ways you didn’t expect. None of this means you are doing anything wrong.
How to prepare:
- Have open conversations with your partner about mental health, sleep, and postpartum expectations.
- Know the signs of postpartum anxiety and depression before you need the information.
- Plan for small, practical forms of self-care, like short walks or a shower without rushing. Set these goals with your partner or a support person.
Misconception 6: “I’ll slide easily back into my old routine when maternity leave ends.”
Reality: Whether you are returning to work or continuing to stay home, your life has changed in meaningful ways. New routines take time to build. Returning to work often comes with a mix of pride, guilt, relief, and sadness. All of this is normal.
How to prepare:
- Talk with your employer early about pumping breaks, flexible schedules, and transition needs.
- Practice your pumping routine at home so it feels familiar once you return to work.
- Build a transition week into your plan. A few half-days can help you and your baby adjust gradually.
Turning Expectations Into a Realistic and Supportive Plan
Maternity leave is not a single experience. It is a major life shift filled with learning, adjusting, healing, and caring for a brand-new person. When you understand the realities instead of the picture-perfect expectations, you can prepare with more confidence and compassion for yourself.
At Hygeia Health, our focus is supporting mothers through every phase of feeding, pumping, and postpartum recovery. The right tools, along with clear information and thoughtful planning, allow mothers to navigate maternity leave with more ease.
Comfort and confidence in breastfeeding are a huge part of a positive maternity leave. Our hospital-grade breast pumps support this aspect. Apply today and Hygeia will assist in getting your high quality breast pump covered 100% by your insurance.
