I am fortunate that my breastfeeding journey comes easily, unlike my sister, who had a hard time keeping up with her supply. That’s why I still pump some of my milk to help her cope with her child’s demand. Challenges in breastfeeding are typical. One thing that’s for sure is both moms and babies greatly benefit from breastfeeding. That’s why I’ve always tried my best to share my milk with her.
Just like her, plenty of babies and moms need support during difficult times, especially to premature and sick babies.
The most common situations mothers consider breast milk donation is when:
•Low milk production and needs to supplement her own milk with donor milk
•Adopted or fostered babies
•Have had a double mastectomy and can’t produce milk
•Had previous breast or other surgeries that affected milk supply and needs to supplement
•Diagnosed with insufficient glandular tissue and needs supplemental milk
•Treated with certain medications that are not recommended for breastfeeding
•Mother has infectious illness that could be passed to baby through breast milk
Most moms seek breast milk donation online as it is easily accessible. However, many individuals prey on these needy mothers’ dilemma and sell breast milk at a price. This practice even carries more risks for the baby. There are many documented harmful incidents connected to using unscreened, unpasteurized milk from unscreened donors. Some of these risks include:
- The milk could potentially have harmful substances like medications, drugs of abuse, nicotine, or alcohol.
- It can be contaminated, watered-down, or added with other liquids to increase volume. There’s no way to ensure that the milk purchased is human milk at all.
- One recent study found that infectious agents, viruses, and bacteria are commonly found in unscreened milk.
- You won’t be able to know how the milk has been stored or maintained.
So, while you want to feed your kids, always be wary of individuals who put a price on their milk. Any act of profiteering can be a way to abuse those who are in need. Try to find a fellow mom around you that’s willing to share her milk for free. Milk sharing is an act of sisterhood in plenty of breastfeeding communities done, usually through social media connections. Most concern and genuine moms won’t put a price on this liquid gold.
You can always compensate by giving a milk bag, fetching the milk yourself, or sharing some galactagogues. Try your best to avoid supporting breast milk profiteering. There are even plenty of breastfeeding communities like Breastfeeding Pinays, DabawInas, or Latch to run to if you ever need support with your supplies.
But, the best solution I’ve found useful is creating a breastfeeding community around you. Influence your relatives and friends to breastfeed; they will instantly become your breast friend.
#NormalizeMilksharing by sharing your breastmilk, not profit from it!
Dabawenya Mommy 