Is there a going price for breastmilk?

[blessed]

We're in the process of our second adoption. She'll be close to a year when she comes, so relactating isn't a very realistic option for me. But she'll likely still be taking a bottle for some time after she comes. I'd love for her to have any breastmilk she could, even this late, for health reasons.

Our nanny is about to deliver her second child and will be breastfeeding when our new one arrives. I was thinking about asking if she'd be interested in supplying any EBM for our child.

First of all, would this even be appropriate to ask? Second of all, if so, what would be a reasonable compensation to offer?

[MountainMamaGC]

I would ask and i am sure she wouldnt be offended. If i could pump i would totally help someone out.

[Khourtniey]

Well depending on where you are its illegal to sell breastmilk so if you are going to get it from anybody it would have to be donation basis... Have you looked at milkshare? As far as compensation perhaps offer her a breastpump and storage bags..

[SuzyLee]

I don't know about the legal status where you live but it seems to me it would be reasonable to offer at least the price of formula.

[alegna]

I know milk banks charge at least $3 an oz...

I think it's wonderful that you're investigating this and would like to compensate her.

-Angela

[frontierpsych]

Originally Posted by SuzyLee

I don't know about the legal status where you live but it seems to me it would be reasonable to offer at least the price of formula.

That sounds pretty fair. I'd pump for someone for that, it's a decent amount of money.

[captivatedlife]

You could donate for her time. It would depend on how difficult it is for her to express. If she's like me, I'd give it away for free nominal - it was easy peasy for me to express with a hand pump. for others it's difficult. I think, if it was a long term thing, I'd like $5-10 per 8 oz bottle. I think thats low for what others were thinking, but I'm thinking "pin money" for my time.

[clutterbug]

I think it is wonderful that you are considering this arrangement, and compensating her for her time and effort I have no idea about costing out...I guess the milk bank prices are a place to start, although I woudl think a little less would be acceptable since you would be cutting out the "middle man(woman?)", so to speak.

Your post reminded me of an article I just read recently, I think it was in LLL's New Beginnings. I'll have to have a look around the house for it, maybe. It was about a mom that adopted a one year old and established a nursing relationship (not a full supply, but enough that she was getting some of her milk...first pumped, later from the tap - very inspirational and moving story). Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it, but I did find this..http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVOctNov04p99.html

Good luck!

[GooeyRN]

To get around any legalities you can give her a $2/hr raise (or whatever you both find fair) supply a pump (for her to keep) and the bags for the duration that she pumps for you. It would not be weird to ask.

[elizaMM]

I was offerred some for $3.50 an ounce when DS was born but we ended up not using it (pasteurized, homogenized).

If you were going the route of estimating HER cost, be sure to include the cost of her consuming more calories. Although I think I might PAY someone to let me eat more w/o getting fatter ;-P

[shanti1]

Maybe it's just me. Well....apparently, from the replies so far it is just me...but I'd tread lightly asking probing but not direct questions to her with out actually asking her to understand her comfort level first. It could come off as overstepping the employer/employee relationship. Some people would have no issue whatsoever w/the request. I wouldn't think twice if I thought I could help out a mommy w/breastmilk if I knew I wouldn't need it for my own child. I could see, however, where someone might take offense....feel uncomfortable/pressured by the request.

As far as payment? Well, I'd think at least the cost of formula + providing supplies & breastpump. I'd treat it as a raise as well to avoid the legal issues that might be involved. Personally I wouldn't charge a mommy for breast milk, but that's me.

[LeighB]

Definitely look into milk share. Milkshare.birthingforlife.com. I donate milk on there and it is a wonderful place.

[MaryJaneLouise]

Originally Posted by shanti1

Maybe it's just me. Well....apparently, from the replies so far it is just me...but I'd tread lightly asking probing but not direct questions to her with out actually asking her to understand her comfort level first. It could come off as overstepping the employer/employee relationship. Some people would have no issue whatsoever w/the request. I wouldn't think twice if I thought I could help out a mommy w/breastmilk if I knew I wouldn't need it for my own child. I could see, however, where someone might take offense....feel uncomfortable/pressured by the request.

As far as payment? Well, I'd think at least the cost of formula + providing supplies & breastpump. I'd treat it as a raise as well to avoid the legal issues that might be involved. Personally I wouldn't charge a mommy for breast milk, but that's me.

Depending on your relationship, it might get weird. Is she a pretty bfer?

You might use the classic passive aggressive approach, "You know, if I knew a new mom who would be willing to pump & donate for my new LO, I would definitely pay a small amount to her for her time, and give her a pump & supplies, and....Do you have any friends or acquaintances that would be willing to do that?"

[GooeyRN]

Originally Posted by MaryJaneLouise

Depending on your relationship, it might get weird. Is she a pretty bfer?

You might use the classic passive aggressive approach, "You know, if I knew a new mom who would be willing to pump & donate for my new LO, I would definitely pay a small amount for her for her time, and give her a pump & supplies, and....Do you have any friends or acquaintances that would be willing to do that?"

great idea!