Milk Sharing

Milk sharing has deep historical roots. Wet nursing, where a woman breastfeeds another’s child, dates back to 2000 B.C. In some cultures, such as in Islamic traditions, “milk kinship” created familial bonds between children nursed by the same woman. The first formal human milk bank in North America opened in 1910 at the Floating Hospital for Children, now Tufts Children’s Hospital. Today, both formal milk banks and informal sharing communities continue this legacy, emphasizing the enduring importance of shared human milk. 

Breastfeeding has always been close to my heart, not only as a doula but also as a mother. The journey of nurturing a child is profound, and the ability to provide nourishment through breast milk is a gift. However, circumstances sometimes make this challenging, and that’s where the incredible value of donor milk comes into play!

I know first hand the beauty of donor milk. Before I ever needed it for my own child, I had the privilege of donating thousands of ounces through Facebook groups, driven by a desire to support other families. Later, during my second pregnancy, I faced challenges producing enough milk for my eldest and turned to donor milk to bridge the gap. This full-circle experience deepened my appreciation for the generosity and community spirit that donor milk embodies.

Why choose donor milk over formula?

Human milk strengthens the baby's immune system and can help your baby fight disease and infection. It also contains growth hormones that help your baby grow. Human milk is easier to digest than most formulas.

Parents engaged in milk sharing must ensure that donors have tested negative for hepatitis B and C, HIV, HTLV, and syphilis, and are not at risk for ongoing exposure. Never be afraid to ask if they had recent testing done/to provide proof of testing. (Majority donors are more than willing) Always ask if they take any medications! And to look into the medications if they are. When putting a post up make sure to include any allergies your little has. 

Babies that take in breast milk that is pumped still receive all of the same immune-boosting power as babies that feed at the breast. The only time this may not apply is if the baby is coming down with a cold. (You can specify if you want “sick milk”) 

Never microwave donor human milk (or breastmilk in general). Use only warm water to defrost or warm it. An individual serving can be warmed by standing the container of milk briefly in warm water or holding under running warm water.

Once milk is thawed, it cannot be refrozen. 

If you are worried about bacteria from breastmilk you can pasteurize it using this method: https://lactiful.com/blog/increase-milk-supply/how-to-pasteurize-breast-milk 

The process of pasteurisation itself kills all harmful pathogens without changing much else. All the nutrients and antibodies are retained and available to your baby

• Is there anything that would prevent you from donating safe and healthy breastmilk?
• Do you have any concerns about sharing your milk that you want to talk about?
• Have you ever tested positive for TB, HTLV I or II, HIV I or II, Herpes Simplex, Hepatitis B or C, or Syphilis?
• Have you had close or intimate contact with anyone infected with any of the above?
• Are you or your sexual partner(s) at risk for HIV?
• Has a blood relative been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)?
• Do you have any open sores, blisters, and/or cracks on the skin?
• Would you agree to have your blood screened if requested?
• Would you agree to be tested for TB if requested?
• Have you required hospitalization or blood transfusion in the last 12 months?
• Have you received any vaccinations in the last 12 months? 
• Do you take any prescription medications on a regular basis, including hormone replacement?
• Do you take excessive amounts of prescription drugs?
• Do you have any general health concerns?
• Does your baby have any general health or weight gain concerns?
• Do you smoke?
• Do you consume more than 3 caffeinated beverages per day?
• Do you drink alcohol? How much and how often?
• Do you use recreational drugs? Which ones and how often?
• Do you use over-the-counter (OTC) medication? Which ones and how often?
• Do you use herbal supplements? Which ones and how often?
• Have you gotten any tattoos/piercings in the last 6 months?
• Do you take megavitamins?
• Do you know how to clean milk collection items?
• Do you know how to safely store milk?
• How do you store the milk? (Regular freezer/deep freezer) 
• How old is the milk?

Follow The Steps on each website!

http://savethemilk.com/ship/ 

https://www.shipmilk.com