How much is it to buy donated breast milk?

The Cost of Donated Breast Milk: A Growing Market
In recent years, the demand for breast milk has surged, leading to a burgeoning market where parents seek to purchase this vital resource for their infants. While breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold” due to its nutritional benefits, the cost of acquiring it can vary significantly depending on the source.
Purchasing from Milk Banks vs. Online Sources
The most reliable and safest way to obtain donated breast milk is through accredited milk banks. These facilities screen donors rigorously and pasteurize the milk to eliminate any potential pathogens. The cost of purchasing breast milk from a milk bank typically ranges from $3 to $5 per ounce. This price reflects the extensive processing and safety measures involved in ensuring the milk is safe for consumption.
On the other hand, some parents turn to online marketplaces or social media groups to buy breast milk directly from individual donors. Prices in these informal settings can vary widely, often ranging from $1 to $3 per ounce. However, purchasing milk this way carries inherent risks, as the safety and health standards are not guaranteed. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend against buying breast milk online due to concerns about contamination and the lack of screening for diseases.
Factors Influencing Cost
Several factors influence the price of breast milk, including the donor’s location, the volume of milk available, and the method of distribution. For instance, donors in urban areas may charge more due to higher living costs, while those with larger quantities of milk may offer discounts for bulk purchases. Additionally, some sellers may include shipping costs, which can further increase the overall price.
The Ethical Considerations
The sale of breast milk raises ethical questions, particularly regarding the commodification of a resource that is often donated for altruistic reasons. Many donors contribute their milk to help other mothers in need, and the idea of selling it can lead to tensions within communities. Reports have surfaced of individuals selling donated milk without the consent of the original donors, leading to outrage among those who believed they were contributing to a charitable cause.
Conclusion
As the market for breast milk continues to evolve, parents seeking this essential resource must navigate a complex landscape of options and prices. While milk banks offer a safe and regulated avenue for purchasing breast milk, the allure of lower prices from individual sellers can be tempting. Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing cost with the critical need for safety and quality in infant nutrition.

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.

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.

Who pays for donated 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.

Where can I sell breast milk?

Udderly breast milk marketplace
Your favorite buy, donate or sell breastmilk app. Udderly is a platform that connects moms who are looking to donate or sell breastmilk with those who are seeking to receive breastmilk.

How to make money donating 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 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 is donated milk?

Donor milk is provided to your baby at no cost while in hospital. After leaving the hospital, if donor milk is still required, a processing fee is charged. This processing fee helps to cover the costs of screening, testing, bottling and pasturizing milk. The current cost for donor milk is $5 for 120 mL (4 ounces).

Do milk donors get paid?

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.

How much does breastmilk sell for?

Without insurance, donor breast milk can cost $3.50 to $5 per oz. Milk bank fees cover the costs of processing, which ensures distributed milk is safe and high quality. Commercial milk banks often compensate donors, while nonprofit milk banks do not.

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).