"Milk Banks"

You know how your mind wanders sometimes? Just the other day, I was wandering. Since I'm a pumping Mom I was thinking about how we actually get the milk I put in my cereal. It kinda grossed me out when I thought about it. Lol.

So, my thought is that if I will feed my kids "pumped" milk from a dirty, stinky animal it shouldn't be weird to feed human breastmilk if needed. I would just make sure it was regulated.

I can only pump enought to keep up with my son at this point (and that's getting harder and harder). But, if I had extra, I'd look into donating. I even heard you can sell it.

T.

K.:

for information: http://www.hmbana.org/

also know that it is not uncommon for people to "share" milk or give it to local people with need.

P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
www.breastfeedingandparentingsolutions.com

I looked into this when my son started refusing bottles (I had over 150 oz frozen and he wouldn't take any of it!). Unfortunately, the nearest milk bank is in Iowa. I think it's a great idea to donate - it can really really help someone - epecially preemie babies whose moms cannot lactate or had trouble getting started.

If you have extra breastmilk and want to find a worthy mom/baby for it you can also check out "milkshare" (google it). This is not a milk bank, but simply a way for moms to hook up with other moms - it's not regulated. I know most milk banks have a pretty hefty fee for the milk - maybe $1-2/oz which can really add up! Still, it can be a valuable service.

As far as I know milk banks are reserved for mother's with a "prescription" of sorts.

My opinion is that breast milk is the best possible source of food for babies no matter what mother it comes from. Look at it like this, you drink milk from a cow right? You never buy a jug that came from the same cow each time, so why should it be any different with mothers. If I had extra milk I would donate it but I don't pump.

Why is it disturbing? It is less weird then us farming and drinking cow milk. As you said, mothers are screened and I believe the milk is pasteurized as well. These banks are miracle workers for preemies and those who physically cannot breastfeed...although I know the milk is pricey. I know now they are even using it as treatment for cancer patients. Breast milk is liquid gold. What else could be better suited for baby humans to drink?

Kristen,

I donated my excess milk to Indiana Mothers Milk Foundation. I was screened through questionaires and bloodwork, as well as having signed affadavits by my ob/gyn and my childs Dr that this was in no way detrimental to me or the child. This bank provides milk to infants whose mothers are not able to nurse or provide enough on their own (i.e baby was premature and moms milk isn'tin yet or mom is sick and can't nurse for medical reasons.) I fels it was a great way to help those in need. If you have any more in depth question s I would be happy to answer them or give you the contact info for the foundation so you can speak with them.

Hi K.,

what an interesting question :)

I dunno... I don't know that I would trust what's going into the other person's body... a lot of mom's need to eliminate dairy while breastfeeding. are those who donate doing that? I mean, yes... breastmilk is best.. I understand it's values and benefits are endless, but I don't believe the body can pull vitamins and nutrients from nowhere... your milk changes in composition based on what you put into your body.

I suppose I should feel this way about the cow's milk I drink, and all my kids drink, but i guess I just don't think about it... out of sight out of mind? Plus... since the cows milk isn't the sole source of nutrition, I guess I just don't put as much weight on the matter. I think about how other countries use goat's milk alot...and a lot of very good Italian cheeses are made from goats milk... and i'm not quite sure why but the very idea grosses me out :)

very bizarre the human race is :) we all have our unique hang ups. I would sooner donate my hair to help children with leukemia feel more confident while they lose their own, than donate or use any bodily fluids from another human being...

If they screen... that's great, but aren't blood donations supposed to be screened and tested too? My neighbor got hepatitis from a blood donation... and ended up with 2 liver transplants and spent 4 years at Mayo clinic...

So, to each their own i guess :)