[carrie a.]

does anyone know about donating breastmilk? my friend wants to donate her extra (lucky her!) but doesn't want the recipient to have to pay for it so she doesn't want to go through a milk bank. also there are no milk banks in our state. does anyone have experience with donating/donated breastmilk without going through a milk bank? thanks and happy nursing!

 

[rcr]

Tell her to join the milkshare listserv and post a message. She will definetely get tons of responses. I had a lot (and I mean A LOT) of extra milk, and I posted a message and got so many responses. I decided to donate my milk to a gay couple who had just adopted a baby because (a) they were close and I could meet them, and (b) they did not have the ability to breastfeed (i.e. they are both men). They send me updates of the little baby and it really makes me feel good to have helped him. If youre friend can't find anybody close by, there are a lot of people who will pay for shipping and supplies.

 

[CrunchyChristianMama]

You can check with your local LLL chapter. Moms will often go to the leaders and ask how to get bm if they need some.

 

[KnittingTigers]

I just want to plug MilkShare as well. I'm a low-supply BFAR mama, and have been able to do some of my supplementation with donor milk, thanks to Milk Share. As a previous poster noted, I also really like that I've been able to meet and form relationships with the women whose milk we've received. Giving my baby someone else's breastmilk is a hugely intimate thing, and I really like being able to have friendships with the women who are helping to nurture her.

 

[Dahlea]

I use Milkshare to donate =) There are a ton of mamas on there who need milk!

 

[crystaldawn]

Another vote for milkshare. I had tons of responses for my extra milk. I love hearing the stories and helping where I can.

 

[LuminosaJane]

I got hooked up with the family I donate to through my ped. But I guess that's outside the norm. Mom's groups and breastfeeding support groups are another option.