Frequently Asked Questions on Breastmilk Donation

Why share breastmilk?

Research shows that human milk is the best food for human babies. Breastmilk can make a huge difference in the health of any baby because it provides perfect nutrition and numerous antibodies to help babies grow strong. Breastmilk donation may be your babies answer to better health.

Receiving shared breastmilk is a low-cost option for parents who are willing to do more preparation and screening on their own. This option generally is best for mothers who are expecting full term babies and who have time to solicit, research, and screen potential donors during their pregnancy. Premature babies generally do best on milk that was made by a mother who gave birth prematurely, as breastmilk composition changes with age. If your baby was born premature and you are unable to produce milk, most insurance companies will cover the cost of milk from a National Milk Bank, though private milk donation can also be a source of milk.

Is breastmilk donation safe?

Breastmilk donation is thought by many to be very safe when recipient parents take appropriate action to ensure that donors are well-screened and when they also involve a supportive care provider in the process of reviewing records. Home pasteurization is also an option to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present in the milk and you may wish to seek advice from a Lactation Consultant on the proper process to follow.

Why can’t a mother provide milk for her own baby?

There are several reasons why a mother may not be able to meet her baby's needs:

• Mothers whom have adopted babies.
• Mothers may have had surgery that makes it difficult to produce a sufficient amount of milk.
• Mothers may have had a mastectomy.
• Mothers can have a temporary breast infection that must resolve before they can feed at the breast again.
• Mothers may have a legitimate lack of glandular tissue.
• Mothers of multiples may need additional supply.
• Medications taken by mother, such as chemotherapy drugs, may be harmful to the infant.
• Some mothers have a medical condition or chronic infection, such as HIV or hepatitis,that precludes breastfeeding.

If you are a mother who believes that you aren't making enough milk, please be sure to read here to learn about creating abundant supply.

Who is suitable to donate breastmilk?

Most healthy women who are breastfeeding an infant and can set aside time each day to express milk for the good of other babies make a suitable breastmilk donor. Donors should be carefully screened and tested before their milk is accepted. In general, the following should also apply to all donors:

• Must be in general good health
• Must never use tobacco products or use illegal drugs
• Should not be taking medication or herbs, including over-the-counter medications and large doses of vitamins, unless yours and their care providers agrees to it's safety
• Must not consume alcohol 12 hours before pumping milk to donate
• Ideally, should be nursing an infant under one year of age, though mothers nursing older babies may be suitable to donate to families seeking milk for older infants/toddlers
• Must be willing to take a blood test to be screened for HIV 1 & 2, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, and HTLV 1 & 2
• Should be willing to limit caffeine intake
• Ideally in a stable, supportive, and committed relationship, if partnered (no more than 1 sexual partner)

How can I help?

There are many ways to contribute to the effort of breastmilk donation. You can:

• Become a donor
• Provide financial, tax-deductible support through individual or corporate contribution to one of the National Milk Banks or donate to MilkShare
• Spread the word and encourage your friends, neighbors, LLL members, etc. to donate milk if they can
• Support healthy babies by supporting breastfeeding and breastmilk donation!!!