How much does a bag of breast milk cost?

The Cost of Breast Milk: A Closer Look
In recent years, the conversation around breastfeeding has evolved, particularly in light of formula shortages and the increasing recognition of the nutritional benefits of breast milk. However, the notion that breastfeeding is entirely free is misleading. The reality is that obtaining breast milk, whether through milk banks or private sales, comes with significant costs.
Milk Bank Prices
For families seeking donor breast milk, milk banks are a common option. The price for a bottle of breast milk from these banks typically hovers around $20. This cost reflects not only the milk itself but also the processing and screening that ensure the milk is safe for consumption. Milk banks adhere to strict health guidelines, which adds to the overall expense.
Private Sales and Online Markets
In addition to milk banks, some mothers choose to sell their excess breast milk privately, often through online platforms. Prices in these markets can vary widely, but sellers can earn between $1.00 to $2.00 per ounce. This means that a standard 5-ounce bottle could cost anywhere from $5 to $10. However, the legality and safety of purchasing breast milk online can be questionable, as it lacks the rigorous testing that milk banks provide.
The Hidden Costs of Breastfeeding
While the direct costs of purchasing breast milk are significant, the broader financial implications of breastfeeding should not be overlooked. A study highlighted that the overall costs associated with breastfeeding—including lost income, equipment, and other related expenses—can amount to as much as $11,000 per year for families. This figure underscores the complexity of breastfeeding as a choice, which is often perceived as a cost-free alternative to formula feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while the idea of breastfeeding may evoke images of a natural and free process, the reality is that accessing breast milk—whether through banks or private sales—incurs notable costs. Families must navigate these financial considerations carefully, weighing the benefits of breast milk against the economic implications of obtaining it. As the landscape of infant nutrition continues to evolve, understanding these costs becomes increasingly important for new parents.

How much is a normal supply of breast milk?

For infants between 1-6 months old, the average is around 750 mL/25.36 oz a day. A single breastfeeding session might produce between 54-234 mL/1.82-7.91 oz of milk. A mom might nurse between 4-13 times every day depending on the baby’s appetite, how much milk is removed each session, and other external factors.

How much do breast milk donors make?

Our milk banks
Interested donors may choose the milk bank program that best meets her needs and makes her feel most comfortable. We compensate your time and effort with $1.20 per ounce. Or you can decide to have $1.20 per ounce contributed on your behalf to the NICU Parent Network.

How much does breast milk cost?

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.

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.

Why do bodybuilders drink breast milk?

“I think the idea behind drinking breast milk for muscle growth is that it’s incredibly calorie and nutrient dense, and it has some additional healthy substances,” says Brian St. Pierre, a sports dietitian with Precision Nutrition.

How much breastmilk is worth saving?

Plan to have about three daycare days worth of milk in your freezer. Label this “WORK MILK.” For most who work an eight hour work day, you can expect baby to each about 12-16 ounces in an 8 hour period at daycare, so a comfortable freezer stash is 36-48 ounces.

Do hospitals buy breast milk?

If breast milk is not readily supplied by a mother, a hospital can order pasteurized human donor milk (PHDM) from a Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) certified milk bank.

How much breast milk is worth it?

In fact, there is some research that indicates that even as little as 50 ml of breastmilk per day may help prevent disease in breastfed babies. Additionally, our body recognizes the importance of this protection and increases the concentration of SigA as our milk supply begins to decrease.

How much money do bodybuilders pay for breast milk?

One ounce of breast milk from an internet site costs up to $10 an ounce. Because of poor collection, storage and shipping practices, milk from unregulated breast milk internet sites is also more likely to be contaminated than milk donated to regulated milk banks.

Who will pay for breast milk?

Do you get paid to donate breastmilk? Nonprofit HMBANA milk banks do not pay their donors. They do, however, cover breastmilk testing and shipping costs. Commercial milk banks cover testing and shipping costs too, and some pay or donate money on your behalf.