How do you buy donor breast milk?

Understanding the Process of Buying Donor Breast Milk
In recent years, the demand for donor breast milk has surged, driven by various factors including the needs of mothers who cannot produce enough milk and families who prefer breast milk over formula for adopted infants. However, navigating the process of acquiring donor breast milk requires careful consideration of safety, legality, and ethical sourcing.
Where to Find Donor Breast Milk
The primary and safest way to obtain donor breast milk is through milk banks. These organizations collect, screen, pasteurize, and distribute breast milk to families in need. To access milk from a bank, parents typically need a prescription from a pediatrician, especially for infants with specific health concerns. Milk banks prioritize the most vulnerable infants, such as premature babies or those with medical conditions, ensuring that the milk is allocated to those who need it most.
For those looking to purchase breast milk outside of formal milk banks, online platforms such as Craigslist and Facebook groups have emerged as alternative sources. However, this route poses significant risks, as the milk may not be screened for safety or quality. The FDA warns against buying milk from unregulated sources due to potential health risks, including exposure to infectious diseases.
The Safety and Quality of Donor Milk
When acquiring donor breast milk, safety is paramount. Milk banks adhere to strict guidelines to ensure that all donors are screened for health issues, including the use of drugs, alcohol, and infectious diseases. The milk is then pasteurized to eliminate harmful pathogens, although this process can reduce some of the milk’s natural immunological properties.
In contrast, milk obtained from informal sources may not undergo any screening or pasteurization, which can lead to serious health risks for infants. Therefore, while it may be tempting to seek out cheaper options, the potential dangers make it crucial to prioritize safety over cost.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The legality of buying and selling breast milk varies by region. In many places, it is legal to sell breast milk, but ethical concerns arise regarding the commodification of human milk. Parents are encouraged to consider the implications of purchasing milk from individuals rather than established banks, as this can lead to exploitation and health risks.
Moreover, the ethical sourcing of donor milk is essential. Milk banks operate on a donation basis, where mothers voluntarily provide excess milk to help others. This model fosters a community of support among breastfeeding mothers and ensures that the milk is used for its intended purpose—nourishing infants in need.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is possible to buy donor breast milk, the safest and most responsible method is through accredited milk banks. These organizations provide screened, pasteurized milk that meets health standards, ensuring the safety of infants. Parents should be cautious of informal sales, weighing the risks against the benefits, and always prioritize the health and well-being of their children.

What are the disadvantages of donor 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.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

Does insurance cover donor milk?

Is donor milk covered by insurance? Several states, as well as Tricare insurance for military families, offer reimbursement of donor milk in some situations. The Milk Bank cannot file insurance claims on your behalf, but we can provide the information you need to request reimbursement if you think you might be covered.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

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.

Is there a company that sells breast milk?

Breast Milk Shipping for Moms and Employers | Milk Stork®

How do you get breast milk from a donor?

Babies at home with a medical need for human milk can get donor human milk if their physician provides a prescription and letter of medical necessity that justifies why human milk is needed. For instructions on obtaining a prescription and letter of medical necessity, click here.

Can you legally buy breast milk?

Can You Buy Breast Milk? The short answer is yes, you can purchase donor breast milk. It is important to note that though donor milk is the best alternative for feeding newborns, it does not have all the same benefits of breastfeeding using mothers’ own milk.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

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.