How can I donate my breast milk for money?

Understanding Breast Milk Donation for Compensation
Breast milk donation is a noble act that can significantly benefit infants in need, particularly those who are premature or ill. However, the question of whether you can donate breast milk for money is a nuanced one, as it involves both ethical considerations and legal regulations.
The Landscape of Breast Milk Donation
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for breast milk, especially from milk banks that provide pasteurized donor milk to hospitals and families. Many mothers who cannot breastfeed their infants rely on these donations for nutritional support. While traditional milk banks typically do not offer compensation for donated milk, some alternative avenues exist where mothers can sell their excess milk directly to consumers.
Selling Breast Milk: The Online Marketplace
Some mothers have turned to online platforms and classified ads to sell their breast milk. This practice has gained traction in various communities, particularly among those who have an oversupply of milk and wish to help others while earning some money in the process. However, this approach comes with significant risks. The safety and health of the milk cannot always be guaranteed, as there are no standardized testing protocols in place for privately sold breast milk.
Milk Banks: A Safer Alternative
For those interested in donating rather than selling, milk banks are the safest option. Organizations like Prolacta Bioscience and Tiny Treasures Milk Bank accept donations and ensure that the milk is screened and pasteurized before distribution. While these banks do not typically compensate donors, they provide a vital service to vulnerable infants and can offer a sense of fulfillment and community support.
Requirements for Donation
If you decide to donate your breast milk, there are several steps to follow. Most milk banks require potential donors to meet specific health criteria, including being a healthy lactating woman without infectious diseases that could be transmitted through milk. The donation process usually involves an application, a health screening, and possibly a blood test to ensure the safety of the milk.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Ultimately, whether to donate or sell breast milk is a personal decision that should be made with careful consideration of the implications. While selling breast milk can provide financial benefits, it is essential to prioritize the health and safety of the infants who will consume it. Engaging with reputable milk banks remains the most ethical and safe way to contribute to the well-being of babies in need.

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.

How much do you get paid for donating breast milk?

Donors receive no payment or compensation for their donation, except the satisfaction of knowing they have helped improve the health of a fragile baby and bring relief to their families. We will reimburse donors with breast milk storage supplies.

Can you get a tax write-off for donating breast milk?

Is my donation tax-deductible? The IRS does not allow a deduction for any kind of human tissue. You can deduct the cost of your breast pump and bags if you purchased them yourself.

What are the side effects of donating breast milk?

Risks for the baby include exposure to infectious diseases, including HIV, to chemical contaminants, such as some illegal drugs, and to a limited number of prescription drugs that might be in the human milk, if the donor has not been adequately screened.

How much is breast milk per ounce?

$3-$5 per ounce
The average cost is $3-$5 per ounce, and babies can consume between 32 and 48 ounces of milk per day. In states where neither Medicaid nor commercial insurance covers donor milk, families sometimes buy unregulated breast milk online or receive donated milk from friends or family because it can be less expensive.

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.

How much breastmilk can I make?

After the first couple weeks, you should expect to produce more milk per session, about 2 to 4 oz., and may be able to stretch out some of the overnight feedings (maybe to 4 to 5 hours between feedings). In total, you should expect to average around 8 to 10 sessions per day.

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.

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.

How much milk do I need to donate?

Milk consumed per baby = 240 ml x 44 days = 10,560 ml. Donor human milk required per baby = 10,560 ml x 0.5 = 5,280 ml.