looking to donate, found something disturbing

[elus0814]

I've been looking for somewhere to donate my milk after not being able to find someone local who needs it. When I googled it I came up with a company called polacta which is apparently a for-profit company that SELLS the milk for quite a bit to premies. They ask for 'donations' which they then process and sell. I'm so offended they would do this. Apparently they also sell the milk to people who want to do research with it. Who is giving their milk away to this company?!?!

If all this wasn't bad enough they further put out the 'donors' by making a huge list of requirements which include giving them a sample of your DNA, a quarterly blood test and medical survey, freezer temp. monitoring, and written approval from your doctor. Talk about hoops to jump through to pad their bottom line. 

They claim the bill for their products is a mere 2% of a $500,000 nicu bill - that's $10,000! They've got to be making a killing.

Are there any reputable companies that accept donations and only charge what they must to process and distribute the milk?

[Momsteader]

You could try http://eatsonfeets.org/   It will allow you to connect with someone directly for a milk donation.  All the big banks process the milk.

I've done direct donation to three different families--all met online, but if I was to do it again and couldn't find someone I'd check out the local Eats on Feets.

[jeanine123]

Human Milk Banking Assoc. of America.

http://www.hmbana.com/

They're a not for profit organization.

[averlee]

Some companies, maybe polacta or maybe not, actually offer financial compensation to the "donors". It's usually $3 per ounce.

[elus0814]

prolacta does not, do you know any that buy milk - with four kids and one income we could really use the money.

[elus0814]

I just looked again, apparently you are not able to 'donate' milk from your freezer to any milk bank anyway. All the milk has to be pumped AFTER you have been through their screening process. 

[MamitaM]

i'd check your local eats on feets chapter on facebook. i've donated to 4 families thanks to eats and another local milkshare network.