How to find information on donating milk? Reliable organizations, etc.

[Llyra]

I spent some time talking with a mom at our playgroup this morning. She has a five month old baby. For four months, she's been building up a freezer stash, in anticipation of going back to work (she's going back in three weeks). The baby has eczema, and mom has recently discovered that baby is allergic to dairy and soy. She's crushed-- the elimination diet is no big deal, but now she won't be able to use her stored milk. She told me how heartbroken she was to think of throwing it away, and I suggestion donation-- but neither of us know the slightest thing about it.

If you know of any resources for donating milk, could you share them? We're in NJ; we're close to Bucks County, PA as well.

[samstress]

here's a resource to help you connect with those who made need donated milk

here's a link to an organization that banks milk

[amyhulen]

There is also Eats on Feets, There are different chapters for each state. All corespondence is done via facebook as they don't have a dedicated website yet. I have already lined up a recipient for my GF/DF milk via milkshare and might end up trying to donate a little via the eats on feets group locally as well.

I was devastated when HMBA flat out refused to accept my milk without even getting to the application/screening process claiming that I was too far from a local bank and they wouldn't accept it if shipped. I didn't know you could donate locally at that time and ended up tossing alot of milk in the trash.

Its great that your helping your friend line up recipients for her milk. I was just talking to DH today about what a financially devastating blow it would be to have to depend on manufactured baby formula.

[samstress]

Originally Posted by amyhulen 

I was devastated when HMBA flat out refused to accept my milk without even getting to the application/screening process claiming that I was too far from a local bank and they wouldn't accept it if shipped. I didn't know you could donate locally at that time and ended up tossing alot of milk in the trash.

 interesting.  the website made it sound like they would cover shipping costs to the nearest bank.  looks like the closest bank (currently operating is in columbus ohio).

i think i prefer the idea of donating to someone you may actually know or connect with online, rather than sending it to a milk bank.

just found this one too.

found this place too which is in need of donated breast pumps.  i would donate mine, but i'm currently pregnant and may be needing it.  just thought i'd pass on the info.

[amyhulen]

 interesting.  the website made it sound like they would cover shipping costs to the nearest bank.  looks like the closest bank (currently operating is in columbus ohio).

i think i prefer the idea of donating to someone you may actually know or connect with online, rather than sending it to a milk bank.

just found this one too.

found this place too which is in need of donated breast pumps.  i would donate mine, but i'm currently pregnant and may be needing it.  just thought i'd pass on the info.

Wow, thanks for the link on donating pumps. I have a brand new sealed avent isis that was given to me but I don't need it as I already have 2 others. I will defintatly be donating to another mom who can use it. I had no idea an organization like this existed.

And yes. I was definatly under the same impression when I contacted them about 5 years ago. I don't know if I just got a bad represenative or what but I was definatly taken back by the response I recieved. I am finding that connecting with another mom who will be feeding my milk to her little one has been a very rewarding experience. As it turns out we have alot in common and I am very greatful that I can give her such a wonderful gift.

[samstress]

Originally Posted by amyhulen 

 I am finding that connecting with another mom who will be feeding my milk to her little one has been a very rewarding experience. As it turns out we have alot in common and I am very greatful that I can give her such a wonderful gift.

i bet.  how wonderful!
 

[soso-lynn]

EatsonFeets.org

[MamitaM]

I love Eats on Feets and I love being able to donate my extra milk. The families that I've met are so happy to be able to give their babies milk. It's nice that I've become friends with them too.

[Springshowers]

I would personally check to make sure the bank you donate to is not a big for profit company. Some milk banks charge $35 per ounce, instead of about $3.50 and offer payments to the hospital for using their milk (and the mom ends up paying the high price through insurance). I find the whole process a little suspect.. and personally perfect the more direct route.

[kriket]

I would also do Milk Share or Eats on Feets before I donated to a bank!

[Llyra]

Thanks, all. I've passed all this on to her, and now it's in her hands to decide what to do.

[KLM99]

I actually just posted on a moms group in my area and also on the birth alliance yahoo group to see if anyone needed any and got a few responses.  Ended up donating almost 300 ounces to a newly adopted baby.  Hope she found something that worked.

[lyterae]

Originally Posted by kriket 

I would also do Milk Share or Eats on Feets before I donated to a bank!

 Thank you guys so much for posting! I hadn't heard of Eats on Feets and we now have potential donor milk lined up for our new baby.

Thank you again. :)