As a breastfeeding mother, you may have experienced this too. That is, the secretion of more milk than the baby needs. So instead of throwing away this extra milk, how valuable would it be if it could enrich the life of another baby? Breast milk is a nectar for a baby. So by donating your excess breast milk, you can do a great deal of help to a family who is helpless due to a lack of milk.
Why should we donate breast milk?
Simply put, this is a very noble and valuable thing. And a great blessing. Just think, some mothers are not able to give their babies enough milk. Maybe it's because of some health condition of that mother. Also, families who adopt children have a great desire to give their little ones breast milk instead of formula.
A drop of breast milk you donate can be a precious gift that brings health and strength to another baby's life.
So, with the leftover milk from your baby, you can meet the nutritional needs of another baby. This is the greatest value of breast milk donation.
What are the ways to donate breast milk?
There are two main ways to donate breast milk.
1. Through Milk Banks: Some major hospitals in Sri Lanka have programs for this. These connect mothers who are donating milk with families who need milk. They test the milk they receive from you to make sure it is safe and then give it to someone who needs it. If you want to know more about this, you can ask your family doctor or the hospital where you are receiving treatment.
2. Directly giving to another mother: You can find out if there is anyone in your community, that is, among friends and relatives, who needs breast milk. You can also take the help of your doctor for this. However, if you are giving milk this way, you must definitely talk honestly with the mother who will receive the milk about your health condition, the medications you are taking, and your lifestyle (e.g. smoking, drinking alcohol ).
Eligibility and disqualification for breast milk donation
If you're donating milk through a milk bank or directly, you need to meet certain qualifications. Also, there are some circumstances in which you may not be able to donate milk. Let's take a look at what those are.
| You may be eligible to donate breast milk. | You may be disqualified from donating milk. |
|---|---|
| If you are in good overall health. | If you have or are being treated for a disease such as HIV, HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus), Hepatitis B or C , or Syphilis . |
| If you have excess breast milk left over from feeding your baby (never reduce your own baby's milk intake and resort to donating). | If your sexual partner is at risk for the above diseases. |
| If possible, store the milk in the deep freezer within 24-48 hours of expressing it. | If you have used drugs recreationally in the past year. |
| If you only use medications approved for breastfeeding mothers. | If you smoke or use other tobacco products. |
| If you are not using herbal supplements. | If you drink more alcohol than recommended. |
If you donate through a milk bank...
This process may take a little longer, but it is very important.
1. Apply: You will need to fill out an application to donate breast milk. Here, you must provide truthful information about your health condition and medications without hiding anything . If you provide false information, you may be removed from this program.
2. Get tested: You will often be asked to have blood work done. The milk you donate will also be tested.
3. Medical approval: You may also need approval from your pediatrician that your baby is healthy and exclusively breastfed.
How to prepare before donating breast milk
Donating breast milk is a big responsibility, so you need to be very careful about cleanliness when expressing and storing the milk.
- Sterilize the pump parts: Some people put the pump parts in the fridge between pumping sessions. But don't do that. After each session , carefully disassemble the pump parts and wash them in hot, soapy water. Sterilize them at least once a day.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching any parts of the cleaned pump. Do not touch anything else after washing your hands.
- Transferring milk: If you are expressing milk into bottles, carefully transfer it to storage bags. Be careful not to touch the milk while doing this.
- Label and store: Be sure to write the date, time, and amount (ounces/ml) of milk expressed on the bag. Keep your freezer on the coldest setting .
- Seek advice: If you suddenly become ill or take a medication that is not approved for donation, keep the milk bags you express separately marked for those days. Check with the milk bank or your doctor to make sure it is safe to donate or to keep for your own baby.
Donating breast milk is an invaluable contribution you can make to another baby's life, so it's a great thing to think about.
Take-Home Message
- Donating breast milk is an extremely noble and valuable act. It is a great help to a baby and a family in need of milk.
- It is essential to be completely honest about your health and lifestyle. Never hide information.
- Cleanliness is very important when expressing and storing milk. Use only sterilized equipment.
- Do not donate milk by reducing your own baby's milk intake. Only donate excess milk left over from feeding your baby.
- If you have any concerns or questions regarding this, be sure to talk to your doctor and seek advice.
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