How much does breast milk cost to buy?

The Cost of Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Overview
In recent years, the conversation around breast milk has evolved significantly, especially in light of formula shortages and increased awareness of breastfeeding’s benefits. However, the notion that breastfeeding is entirely free is misleading. The reality is that acquiring breast milk, whether through milk banks or private purchases, comes with substantial costs.
Pricing at Milk Banks
For families seeking donor breast milk, milk banks are a primary source. The cost of breast milk from these banks typically ranges from $3 to $5 per ounce. For instance, if a baby requires about 20 ounces per day, parents could expect to pay between $60 and $100 daily. This translates to approximately $1,800 to $3,000 monthly, depending on the specific needs of the infant.
To put this into perspective, a standard four-ounce bottle of breast milk from a milk bank can cost around $20. If a baby consumes six bottles a day, the monthly expense could reach $3,600, which can be a significant financial burden for many families.
Online Purchases and Alternatives
Alternatively, breast milk can also be purchased online, where prices are generally lower, ranging from $0.50 to $2 per ounce. This option may appeal to some parents looking for more affordable solutions, but it comes with its own set of risks, including concerns about the safety and quality of the milk.
The Hidden Costs of Breastfeeding
While the direct costs of purchasing breast milk are significant, the indirect costs associated with breastfeeding should not be overlooked. These can include expenses related to pumping equipment, storage solutions, and the time invested in maintaining milk supply. A study highlighted that the overall costs of breastfeeding for a year can range from $7,940 to $10,585, factoring in these indirect expenses.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is often touted as a cost-effective feeding method, the reality is that acquiring breast milk—whether through milk banks or private purchases—can be quite expensive. Families should carefully consider their options and the associated costs, as well as the potential health implications of the milk they choose to use. As the market for breast milk continues to grow, understanding these financial aspects becomes increasingly important for parents navigating their feeding choices.

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.

How much does it cost to buy breast milk?

Resources and costs
Human donor milk from milk banks costs $3 to $5 (US) per ounce, and so it might cost $60 to $100 (US) per day for an 3.6-kg baby to consume 20 ounces per day, compared with only $0.50 to $2 (US) per ounce when the milk is purchased online.

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 is a full supply of breast milk?

As you can see, milk supply goes from 1ounce per day to around 24 ounces per day, over the first 2 to 3 weeks, ideally. For some, it may take 6 weeks to get to a full supply.

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.

How much is 1 oz of breast milk?

If you prefer to use milliliters, remember that one ounce = 30 ml. In this case, the baby should be getting approximately 2.6 ounces x 30 (or 78 ml) of breast milk at each feeding. You can put 3 ounces (or 90 ml) of breast milk in the bottle to feed a baby who weighs 8 lbs 4 oz (3.74 kg).

Is it healthy to drink human breast milk?

Even though there is no established benefit of consuming human milk for adults, there is plenty of evidence of its benefit for newborns. For those who are unable to receive their mother’s own milk, WHO recommends the provision of donor human milk processed by regulated milk banks to ensure its safety.

Is it safe to drink breast milk for adults?

More than this, human milk is potentially very hazardous if used to replace a healthy balanced diet, as it contains less protein than other milk sources, contrary to the suppositions of online fitness forums. Thus, the authors find human milk consumption by adults purchasing milk online is ill-advised.

Do hospitals pay for breast 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.

How much do body builders pay for breast milk?

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