What disqualifies you from donating breast milk?

Understanding Disqualifications for Donating Breast Milk
Donating breast milk is a noble act that can provide essential nutrition to infants, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) who may not have access to their mother’s milk. However, not all mothers are eligible to donate. Various factors can disqualify a potential donor, primarily revolving around health, lifestyle, and the safety of the milk being donated.
Health Considerations
Health Status is a primary criterion for disqualification. Milk banks typically require donors to be in good health, which means they should not have any chronic illnesses or conditions that could affect the quality of the milk. For instance, mothers with infectious diseases such as HIV, HTLV (Human T-Lymphotropic Virus), or active tuberculosis are generally prohibited from donating. Additionally, conditions like hepatitis or certain autoimmune disorders can also disqualify a donor.
Medications and Substances are another critical aspect. Mothers who are taking certain medications, particularly those that are contraindicated for breastfeeding, may be disqualified. This includes some prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements that could potentially harm an infant. Furthermore, the use of recreational drugs or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to disqualification, as these substances can be transmitted through breast milk.
Lifestyle Factors
Diet and Lifestyle Choices can also impact eligibility. Mothers who smoke or have a diet high in caffeine or processed foods may be discouraged from donating. Smoking can introduce harmful substances into breast milk, while excessive caffeine can affect an infant’s sleep and behavior.
Recent Travel to areas with high rates of infectious diseases can also be a disqualifying factor. If a mother has traveled to such regions, she may be required to wait a certain period before donating to ensure that she has not contracted any illnesses that could be transmitted through her milk.
Screening Process
Before a mother can donate, she typically undergoes a screening process conducted by the milk bank. This process includes a detailed health questionnaire and may involve blood tests to check for infectious diseases. The goal is to ensure that the donated milk is safe for vulnerable infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while the desire to donate breast milk is commendable, several health and lifestyle factors can disqualify a potential donor. Ensuring the safety and quality of the milk is paramount, as it directly impacts the health of infants who rely on donor milk for their nutrition. Mothers interested in donating should consult with their local milk bank to understand the specific guidelines and requirements that apply.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Is it okay to give your baby someone else’s breast milk?

Due to the potential risks of sharing unpasteurized human milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommend that donor milk be pasteurized and obtained from a milk bank, as this is the safest source of donor milk.

What is breast milk test?

Why Test Your Breast Milk? Lactation Lab® Explains. Lactation Lab analyzes your breast milk for basic nutritional content like calories and protein, as well as vitamins, fatty acids and environmental toxins.

Who cannot donate breast milk?

In the past 12 months has had a blood transfusion, blood products, an organ or tissue transplant. In the past 12 months has had permanent make-up applied with non-sterile needles or an accidental hypodermic needle stick.

How much money can you make donating breast milk?

Komen® $1 for every ounce of qualified milk collected. Tiny Treasures Milk Bank – You’ll be compensated $1.20 for every qualified ounce of milk you donate.

What are the disadvantages 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 do they test for when you donate breast milk?

There are three steps to becoming a milk donor: Verbal interview. Written questionnaire including form for health care provider. Blood testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, HTLV, and syphilis.

What medications disqualify you from donating breast milk?

Painkillers: paracetamol but not ibuprofen, aspirin, codeine, tramadol or dihydrocodeine (these may be in products to treat migraines or period pains. Drugs to treat asthma: blue or brown inhalers. If you need to take prednisolone stop donating until 24 hours after the course has finished.

What are the rules for donor breast milk?

“The milk collected at home and destined to be donated has to remain at room temperature for the shortest possible time (A*). After each single collection of milk, always in a sterile container, the milk container must be sealed and cooled immediately under running water (A*).”

Can I donate breast milk if I vape?

Donating milk
Becoming a milk donor is similar to becoming a blood donor. Relatively few things would prevent you becoming a milk donor, but we cannot accept donations if you are smoking, vaping or using nicotine replacement products, or if your child is over 2 years old.