Shipping breastmilk

[Jerlin]

I am so glad I found this site!! I've been lurking for a few days now, and I am so happy that I found others who have similar ways in parenting (no circ, family bed, no spanking, breastfeeding, etc).

I was hesitant about posting my question, as I didn't want anyone to bash me on this or think it's "weird". Anyway, I thought I'd come out and ask my question.

Does anyone know what's the best way to ship frozen breastmilk? I have a friend who has twins that were born a couple of months after my son. I've already sent some via FedEx, but it was way expensive - to the tune of about $150. I've suggested she look into a milk bank near her, but she said that the insurance doesn't cover it unless it's medically necessary or that they would charge an arm and a leg.

I've been pumping and storing my milk for a few months now and didn't want it to go to waste. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on a cheaper way to send it. Thanks!

[amydiane]

Welcome!

It's not a weird question at all! I know we have many mamas who either donate or receive donated milk. DS is cranky, so I only have a minute, but you might want to check out http://milkshare.forumotion.com/ - they have info on how to ship milk, and your friend may want to see if there's anyone donating near her as well, assuming she's comfortable with it. Hope that helps!

[cristeen]

I'm afraid you're stuck with FedEx or UPS. It is extremely expensive to ship overnight with dry ice. I would second the recommendation that she check on milkshare for local moms donating, to pass the word to everybody she knows - LLL leaders, LCs, midwives, even grandparents. I was shocked when my grandma found us a donor.

We found most of our donors through milshare, but we've found a handful other ways as well.

[lunarlady]

You do have to pack it on dry ice, and that makes the shipping expensive. If you are traveling by plane, you can pack it on dry ice and check it through with you, which at least means you get a vacation out of the bargin! Maybe you could watch for one of those Southwest Airlines deals (it could be cheeper!). I've heard that sending it Express Mail is actually a bit cheeper than FedEx, but I havn't tried it. I've also heard stories about people packing it really well, then not notifying that it has dry ice inside and shipping it overnight. This is cheeper but I think illegal.