Sharing breastmilk

If you have lots of extra milk and are considering sharing it with other moms, let me make a plea that you first consider donating it to a milk bank.  There are premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units who are desperate for breast milk.  For them, it's not just an alternative to formula, but can be lifesaving. I was recently interviewed on ABC News about this issue.

Breast milk is a body fluid, just like blood, and it can transmit not only serious infections like HIV and Hepatitis, but any alcohol or medications that the mother is taking.  If you are considering sharing breast milk, it's important to make sure that the milk is a healthy option for your baby.

These are the kind of questions that Milk Banks use to screen donors:

    • Do you smoke?
    • Do you regularly consume any medication (including mega-vitamins)?
    • What medications are you taking?
    • How much alcohol do you drink?

    • Were you born, did you live in, or have you traveled in, any African country since 1977?
    • Within the last 12 months have you lived in the Caribbean, the Far East, or Japan?
    • Between 1980 and 1996 did you live in the United Kingdom for more than three months, or have you ever received a blood transfusion in the UK? 
    • Since 1980, have you spent time that adds up to a total of 5 years in Europe?
    • Do you regularly use over-the-counter medications or prescription medications?   Which ones?

    • Are you taking pharmacologically active herbal supplements or other preparations, vitamins containing herbal supplements, or taking mega doses of any vitamins?
    • Do you drink more than 24oz of caffeinated drinks per day, or regularly consume alcohol?
At milk banks, there is a 12 hour waiting period after consuming alcohol before pumping for the bank.
    • Have you ever tested positive for tuberculosis?
    • Are  you a total vegetarian (vegans)?  Do you take supplements?
After moms answer these questions, then it's important to get a blood test to see if there's any hidden infections diseases.

While working in Pediatric ICU, I cared for many preemies.  They have lots of challenges that breast milk can help them overcome. I hope you'll consider donating your milk to these babies.