How much does breast milk go for per ounce?

The Cost of Breast Milk: A Market Perspective
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 breast milk, whether sourced from milk banks or purchased privately, comes with a price tag that reflects its value and the complexities of supply and demand.
Market Prices for Breast Milk
When it comes to purchasing breast milk, prices can vary widely based on the source. According to recent data, human donor milk from established milk banks typically costs between $3 to $5 per ounce. This pricing structure means that for a baby consuming around 20 ounces a day, parents could be looking at a daily expenditure of $60 to $100. This cost reflects the rigorous screening and processing that donor milk undergoes to ensure safety and nutritional adequacy.
In contrast, when breast milk is bought from private sellers online, the prices can be significantly lower, ranging from $0.50 to $2 per ounce. This disparity highlights the differences in regulation and quality assurance between milk banks and informal sales. For instance, a user on a milk-sharing platform mentioned being willing to pay up to $2.50 an ounce for breast milk, indicating a market that is responsive to individual needs and circumstances.
The Value of Breast Milk
The high cost of breast milk, particularly from milk banks, underscores its nutritional value. Breast milk is not only tailored to meet the specific needs of infants but also contains antibodies and other bioactive components that formula cannot replicate. This unique composition is why many parents are willing to invest significantly in breast milk, especially during times when formula is scarce.
Moreover, the economic implications of breastfeeding extend beyond direct costs. A study suggested that the overall value of breastfeeding, when considering the health benefits for both mother and child, could be as high as $97,000 over a child’s lifetime, factoring in reduced healthcare costs and improved health outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, the price of breast milk varies significantly depending on its source, with milk banks charging between $3 to $5 per ounce and private sellers offering it for $0.50 to $2 per ounce. This pricing reflects not only the nutritional benefits of breast milk but also the complexities of its supply and demand in today’s market. As awareness of these factors grows, so too does the understanding of the true value of breast milk in nurturing infants.

How much does an ounce of breastmilk cost?

$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.

How much do you get paid to donate breast milk?

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.

What to do with breast milk instead of dumping?

One problem that faces many breastfeeding mothers is making too much milk. If you produce more milk than your baby needs, you may be looking for ways to donate your excess milk instead of dumping it out. By donating your breast milk, you can help another family in need.

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 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.

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 can I charge for breast milk?

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.

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.

How much can you sell breastmilk for per ounce?

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.

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.