How to donate breast milk
A problem that many breastfeeding mothers face is too much milk. If you
are producing more milk than your baby needs, you may be looking for ways to
donate excess milk rather than throwing it away.
By donating your breast milk, you can help another family in need. Some
mothers need supplements because they are not producing enough milk for their
babies, and some adoptive families choose to give breast milk instead of
formula.
Donating Breast Milk
With a quick search on the Internet, you can find a milk bank in your
state or area. Milk banks serve as a link between milk donors and families
looking for milk for an infant. They usually complete the donor selection
process and test the donor's milk to make sure they are safe.
You can also donate directly to other moms in your community. Talk to
your friends or doctor to see if there are mothers who need breast milk for
their babies. The mother you donate blood to may have questions about the
medications you take and lifestyle habits such as drinking and smoking.
If you want to become a breast milk donor through a milk bank, there are
eligibility requirements. You can breastfeed if you:
- Are in good health overall
- Having enough breast milk for your baby
- Can freeze breast milk for 24-48 hours after pumping
- Use only approved donor products
- Meet other minimum donation requirements of your milk bank
- Do not use herbal supplements
You may be disqualified from donating breast milk if you:
- Have or are being treated for HIV, human T-cell leukemia virus, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis
- Having a sexual partner at risk of contracting HIV, human T-cell leukemia virus, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis
- Used recreational drugs in the past year
- Smoking or using other tobacco products
- Drink more than the indicated amount of alcohol
- Recently traveled to some countries
Find a milk bank. Do your research
and select a milk bank that is currently accepting donations. Read their
guidelines to make sure you're eligible and meet their minimum donation
requirements.
Apply. Fill out a donation
application. Remember that your answers should be as detailed as possible. Tell
the truth about Do not lie about medications or health problems. Many milk
banks order blood tests and also check breast milk. If you provide incorrect
information on your application, it may prevent you from donating now and in
the future.
Complete the steps. Requirements vary
from one milk bank to another. You may be required to take blood tests, submit
medical records, and participate in telephone or online interviews. Many milk
banks also require your pediatrician to approve a donation proving you have a
healthy breastfed baby.
Donate to other moms. The process can be
tedious, but breastfeeding directly to other moms is very beneficial. As a
breastfeeding mother, you are aware of the benefits of breast milk. By
donating, you can help another mother give her child the very best nutrition.
Preparing to Donate Breast Milk
Here are a few steps to follow when preparing to donate breast milk.
- Sterilize the pump parts. You may be tempted
to store pump parts in the refrigerator between feedings, but don't. Wash the
pump parts in hot soapy water, completely disassembling them. Sterilize the
parts once a day and store them in a place where they cannot be contaminated by
passers-by.
- Wash your hands. Do not touch clean
parts of the pump until you have washed your hands. After you've washed your
hands, don't touch anything else to avoid cross-contamination.
- Transfer the milk. If pumping into bottles, carefully transfer to
freezer bags. Be careful not to touch the milk with your hands.
- Label and store. Be sure to write
the date and time of your pumping session on the bags. Include the number of
ounces in each packet so you can calculate the amount of milk you have saved
for donation. Make sure your freezer is set to the lowest temperature to ensure
that the proper guidelines for your milk are followed.
- Ask for help. If you need to take medicines that are not approved by the milk bank, or if you are sick, label your pump bags accordingly. Ask at the milk bank if you can donate milk or keep it for your own child.