How much does donated breast milk cost?

The Cost of Donated Breast Milk: An Overview
In recent years, the demand for donated breast milk has surged, particularly among parents of premature or ill infants who may require specialized nutrition. However, the cost associated with obtaining this vital resource can vary significantly depending on the source.
Milk Banks vs. Online Purchases
Donated breast milk is primarily available through milk banks, which are regulated facilities that collect, screen, and distribute breast milk. The cost of breast milk from these banks typically hovers around $20 per ounce. This price reflects the extensive processing and screening that the milk undergoes to ensure safety and quality, particularly for vulnerable infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
In contrast, some parents turn to online platforms and community groups to obtain breast milk. While many mothers share their milk for free, there are instances where recipients may offer to pay for the containers or shipping costs. However, this informal method lacks the rigorous safety protocols of milk banks, raising concerns about the potential risks involved.
Costs in Clinical Settings
For hospitals, the financial implications of using donor human milk (DHM) can be substantial. A study indicated that the average cost of DHM for infants varies based on their feeding needs and circumstances. For instance, costs can range from $27 for infants whose mothers provide sufficient milk to $281 for those who primarily rely on formula but receive some donor milk during their hospital stay. This variability underscores the importance of donor milk in clinical settings, particularly for NICU patients who may require exclusive human milk feeding.
Accessibility and Support
While the costs associated with donor breast milk can be high, many milk banks offer programs to assist families in need. Some banks provide free or reduced-cost milk to families facing financial hardships, ensuring that all infants have access to this essential nutrition.
In summary, the cost of donated breast milk can vary widely based on the source and the specific needs of the infant. While milk banks charge around $20 per ounce, informal sharing through community networks may offer free options, albeit with potential safety concerns. As the conversation around breast milk donation continues to evolve, ensuring access and safety remains a priority for healthcare providers and families alike.

Does insurance cover donor breast milk?

Most private and public insurance plans do not cover donor breast milk for healthy babies. Some Medicaid programs and Tricare will cover donor breast milk for children with certain health conditions. A few states require commercial health insurance plans to cover donor breast milk for infants with medical needs.

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.

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.

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.

What are the disadvantages of donor breast milk?

Donated breast milk from somewhere other than a milk bank will not have been pasteurized (heat treated) to destroy bacteria and viruses. As with donated blood, donor milk can contain viruses, bacteria and chemicals such as nicotine if the donor parent smokes cigarettes.

Is donor breast milk cheaper than formula?

Donor breast milk, however, is more expensive than many formulas, and may not contain sufficient amounts of key nutrients to ensure optimal growth for preterm or low birth weight infants.

What are the downsides of donor breast 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 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.

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.

Do hospitals charge for donated breast milk?

There is no cost to being a milk donor.
From your initial screening to the storage and shipment of your frozen donated breast milk, all costs are covered by Mothers’ Milk Bank California.