How much can you get for breast milk?

The Market for Breast Milk: A Growing Opportunity
In recent years, the demand for breast milk has surged, leading to a burgeoning market where mothers can sell their surplus milk. This phenomenon is driven by various factors, including the needs of infants who require breast milk for health reasons and the increasing recognition of the nutritional benefits of breast milk over formula.
How Much Can You Earn?
Mothers looking to sell their breast milk can potentially earn a significant income. Reports indicate that women can make anywhere from $1,400 to $2,100 a month by selling their excess milk online. In some cases, particularly in informal markets, earnings can reach as high as $20,000 a year. The price per ounce can vary widely, typically ranging from $1 to $2 depending on the source and the demand.
Factors Influencing Price
Several factors influence how much a mother can earn from selling breast milk:
1. Quality and Nutritional Content: Milk that is rich in nutrients and free from contaminants is more desirable. Mothers who maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle may produce higher-quality milk, which can command a better price.
2. Supply and Demand: The market dynamics play a crucial role. In areas where there is a high demand for breast milk, such as among mothers who cannot breastfeed or in neonatal intensive care units, prices may be higher.
3. Selling Platform: The method of selling also affects earnings. Online platforms and classified ads can provide a broader audience, but they may also come with risks, such as lack of regulation and potential legal issues. Conversely, breast milk banks, which are more regulated, may offer lower prices but provide a safer and more structured selling environment.
The Ethical Considerations
While the market for breast milk presents financial opportunities, it also raises ethical questions. The sale of breast milk is not universally accepted, and concerns about safety, consent, and the commodification of human milk persist. Many health professionals advocate for donating milk to established milk banks rather than selling it privately, as this ensures that the milk is screened and safe for consumption.
Conclusion
The market for breast milk is a complex and evolving landscape, offering mothers a chance to monetize their surplus while addressing the needs of infants. With potential earnings ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars a month, it reflects both the growing recognition of breast milk’s value and the challenges of navigating this unique market. As demand continues to rise, so too will the conversations around the ethics and safety of selling breast milk.

How much can I get paid for my breast milk?

There’s two main US national milk banks, Tiny Treasures and Ni-Q. TT pays $1.20/oz and Ni-Q pays $1/oz. Both are good companies and use that milk to make milk products that are used in hospital NICUs.

What is the value of human breast milk?

Human breast milk (HBM) is essential for the infant’s growth and development right after birth and is an irreplaceable source of nutrition for early human survival. Various infant formulas have many similarities to HBM in many components, but there is no perfect substitute for HBM.

What disqualifies you from donating breastmilk?

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 body builders pay for breast milk?

I’ve been seeing that bodybuilders are buying breastmilk for up to $5 an ounce.

What is the price of breast milk?

However, in many others it might be free for a few poor patients but those who can afford it are usually charged a few hundred rupees for 50 ml of donated breast milk. There are over 80 non-profit human milk banks in India. Neolacta charges Rs 4,500 for 300 ml of frozen breast milk.

How do I legally sell my breast milk?

Steps

1. Find a milk bank you would like to join. Some milk banks only accept donations, but there are a lot of them out there that will pay $1 or more per ounce of breast milk.
2. Apply for a milk bank membership.
3. Undergo a screening process and blood test.
4. Follow guidelines to correctly store and transport breast milk.

Can you write off breast milk donation?

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.

Do you get paid to donate breastmilk?

Commercial milk banks cover testing and shipping costs too, and some pay or donate money on your behalf. For example, Tiny Treasures Milk Bank compensates milk donors with $1 per ounce of breastmilk and Helping Hands Milk Bank contributes $1 per ounce of donated milk to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

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 it legal to sell breast milk in the US?

Can I Sell My Breast Milk? Although the practice is not regulated, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Food and Drug Administration recommend donating your breast milk to a HMBANA milk bank.