How to get a prescription for donor milk?

Understanding Donor Milk Prescriptions
In recent years, the use of donor human milk has gained recognition as a vital resource for infants who require supplementation, particularly those who are premature or medically fragile. However, obtaining a prescription for donor milk involves several steps and considerations that parents and caregivers should be aware of.
Who Needs Donor Milk?
Donor milk is primarily prescribed for medically fragile infants, especially those who are hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) or those whose mothers are unable to produce sufficient milk. The nutritional benefits of donor milk, including its digestibility and infection-fighting properties, make it an essential option for these vulnerable populations.
The Prescription Process
1. Consult Your Pediatrician: The first step in obtaining a prescription for donor milk is to consult with your pediatrician or a healthcare provider. They will assess your baby’s health needs and determine if donor milk is appropriate. This is particularly important for infants with specific medical conditions or those who are premature.
2. Medical Necessity: A prescription is typically required for pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) to ensure that it is used for medically necessary situations. Your healthcare provider will need to document the medical reasons for the prescription, which may include the infant’s weight, gestational age, and any health complications.
3. Choosing a Milk Bank: Once you have a prescription, you can choose a milk bank to source the donor milk. Many milk banks operate across the United States, and they provide pasteurized donor milk that has been screened and tested for safety. Some milk banks may also offer donor milk without a prescription for healthy infants, but this varies by location.
4. Ordering and Receiving Milk: After selecting a milk bank, you will need to place an order. The amount of milk dispensed will depend on the bank’s supply and your baby’s needs. It’s important to communicate with the milk bank about your specific requirements and any logistical considerations for receiving the milk.
Safety and Regulations
Donor milk is regulated to ensure safety and quality. Milk banks follow strict guidelines for screening donors and pasteurizing the milk to eliminate potential pathogens. This process is crucial for protecting the health of infants who rely on donor milk. Parents should feel confident in the safety protocols established by accredited milk banks.
Conclusion
Obtaining a prescription for donor milk is a process that involves medical consultation, understanding the needs of your infant, and navigating the resources available through milk banks. By working closely with healthcare providers and selecting a reputable milk bank, parents can ensure that their infants receive the nutritional support they need during critical early stages of development.

Do you need a prescription for donor milk?

Milk Recipient FAQ
If you are accessing 40 ounces or less, you won’t need a prescription & can typically handle the entire process online. If you need more than 40 ounces or are interested in our sliding-scale Medical Relief Fund, a follow-up call from our team will help guide you through the remaining steps!

How much do hospitals charge for donor milk?

Based on the price of DHM at US $4.00/ounce and the variable amounts of MOM that is supplied to NICU infants, the mean cost of providing DHM is between US $27.04 and $590.90 per infant.

What disqualifies you from donating breast milk?

You have ever injected illegal drugs. You have ever had intimate contact with anyone at risk for HIV, human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), or infectious hepatitis. You smoke, use any tobacco product, a nicotine patch, or an e-cigarette. Your baby is breastfed and not gaining weight or growing as well as expected.

Can a doctor prescribe something for milk supply?

Some healthcare providers prescribe medications to help improve milk flow. These are considered “off-label” uses of the medication. That means the medication is FDA-approved to treat something else, but your provider believes it may help with low milk supply.

Do hospitals pay for donor 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.

Can you get prescription milk?

If your baby is diagnosed as being allergic to cows’ milk, a GP will prescribe an appropriate hypoallergenic infant formula with fully hydrolysed (broken down) proteins.

How do I get a prescription for baby formula?

Your insurance will require a prescription from your child’s pediatrician. A customer service specialist from Insurance Covered Baby Formula will work with your pediatrician to get the prescription.

Does insurance cover donor milk?

Insurance providers differ on coverage, so it’s important to check. Donor milk used while baby is still in the hospital is often covered by insurance. Donor milk used outside the hospital is typically not covered by insurance.

How to qualify for donor milk?

You may be able to donate breast milk if you:

1. Are in good health overall.
2. Have breast milk in excess of what your child needs (you should never take milk away from your own baby to donate)
3. Can freeze your breast milk within 24-48 hours of pumping.
4. Only use medications that are approved for donors.

What are the disadvantages of donor 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.