Can you donate breast milk in California?

Can You Donate Breast Milk in California?
Yes, you can donate breast milk in California, and doing so can have a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable infants. The state is home to several nonprofit milk banks that collect, process, and distribute donated breast milk to babies in need, particularly those who are premature or ill.
Understanding the Donation Process
To donate breast milk, mothers typically need to meet specific requirements set by the milk banks. These requirements can vary, but generally include completing blood tests to screen for infectious diseases, submitting medical records, and undergoing interviews, either online or via phone. Additionally, many milk banks require a pediatrician’s approval, confirming that the donor has a healthy breastfed infant.
California has organizations like the Mothers’ Milk Bank California, which is dedicated to providing life-saving breast milk to fragile infants. They emphasize the importance of donor milk, especially for babies who cannot receive their mother’s milk due to health issues. The demand for donor milk is high, as many hospitals and neonatal units rely on these donations to support their most vulnerable patients.
Why Donate?
Donating breast milk not only helps infants who need it but also allows mothers with surplus milk to contribute positively to their communities. Many mothers find fulfillment in knowing that their excess milk can nourish babies who are struggling. The process of donating is straightforward, and milk banks often provide guidance and support throughout the donation journey.
Safety and Regulations
Safety is a top priority in the donation process. Milk banks pasteurize all donated milk to eliminate any potential pathogens, ensuring that it is safe for consumption by infants. This rigorous process helps maintain the integrity of the milk while providing peace of mind to donors and recipients alike.
In summary, donating breast milk in California is not only possible but also a vital service that supports the health and well-being of infants in need. If you are a breastfeeding mother with surplus milk, consider reaching out to a local milk bank to learn more about how you can help.

How to donate breast milk in California?

You can reach them at 1.877. 375.6645 (option 4 for Spanish) or via email at [email protected]. You may also visit the University of California Health Milk Bank at https://uchealth.service-now.com/csp for more information and to become a donor.

How much do you get for donating breast milk?

We compensate our donors
HDM Plus™ currently pays $1.00 per ounce of breast milk supplied by qualified donors. All donors must pass a strict testing and screening process to ensure the highest levels of safety for our infant recipients.

What are the disadvantages of donor breast milk?

Donated breast milk from somewhere other than a milk bank will not have been pasteurized (heat treated) to destroy bacteria and viruses. As with donated blood, donor milk can contain viruses, bacteria and chemicals such as nicotine if the donor parent smokes cigarettes.

Is it legal to sell breastmilk in California?

HSC §1647 The procurement, processing, distribution, or use of human milk for the purpose of human consumption is for all purposes the rendition of a service and is not to be a sale of the human milk for any purpose.

Do hospitals pay for donor milk?

This fee is paid for by the hospital, not the family, and covers the cost of screening, processing, bottling, testing, labeling, tracking, and overnight shipment of the frozen pasteurized milk. The milk itself is not sold.

What are the requirements for donating breast milk?

Who Can Donate Breast Milk?

• Be in general good health.
• Undergo a free blood test.
• Provide at least 200 ounces of breast milk within a 6-month period.

Is it illegal to breastfeed in a moving car?

As a mom, I understand the need to make certain that our children are fed in a timely fashion particularly when they are babies. But, for the saftey of your baby, your baby needs to be in his or her carseat. That is the law. As such, it is not legal to breastfeed your child while driving around.

What disqualifies you from donating breast milk?

You may be disqualified from donating breast milk if you: Have or are being treated for HIV, HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus), hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have a sexual partner who is at risk for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have used recreational drugs within the last year.

What can I do with unwanted breast milk?

Donate Milk
You can save lives by donating your extra breast milk for use as pasteurized donor human milk. Your breast milk contribution will have a big impact, as a premature infant eats as little as one ounce or less in a single feeding.

Who should not donate milk?

You should never donate breast milk if any of the following applies: You have ever tested positive for HTLV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. You have not been tested yet but think you might have HTLV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. You are HIV positive.