anyone know about milk donations

mrs-rogers

I am able to produce more milk than DD needs. I was thinking about donating but am not sure how much of a commitement it is. Does anyone know much about it? Please let me know, any info will be appreciated.

BestThingsCome

I donated with my last child.

I had to call and be pre-screened over the phone. Then, once I qualified, I had to get some blood drawn (HIV testing and what have you). They shipped me a cooler with a prepaid FedEx invoice. Once I had 100oz (banks have a minimum) I called FedEx for a pickup. They came to my home and took the package for me.

Also, my pedi and OB had to sign documents stating that donating would not be detrimental to either myself or my son.

Do you take ANY medications, including herbal remedies? Some are ok but many are not. Also, you and baby need to be free of thrush, mastitis, etc.

It's a wonderful gift to give. GL! 

BestThingsCome

Here's a link:

https://www.nationalmilkbank.org/

There's a bank in San Jose also.

grapeape73

I donated directly to a hospital when I was nursing DS.  They did blood work, and aslo had my OB/Ped. fill out a form.  I never took any meds or OTC meds, and I didin't drink. 

They gave me bags to put the milk in and freeze.  They would come by once a week with a cooler and collect it.  They told me they would randomly screen one of the samples for anything unwanted.

I did mine through the LLL originally.  I know in my case there were some children with digestive issues in the hospital who couldn't digest anything but BM. 

ncbelle

This is a good site: https://www.hmbana.org/ - I live close to one of their locations but I know they will provide shipping supplies if you don't.  I did have to do some paperwork and have a blood draw (they paid) but the rest was easy.  I think the minimum donation was 200 ounces - after that, you can donate in smaller amounts.

ByGrace

Great idea!  I highly encourage this.  I, too, was producing more milk than DS needed, so when my freezer started to overflow I looked into this.  I had the same experience that others have posted - once you find a bank you want to work with they will have you fill out a few forms on medical history, then if you pass the pre-screen they will pay for a blood draw and the necessary testing.  Most have a minimum donation, mine was 100oz, then after that I would donate every few weeks as my freezer stash started to overflow.

 It is absolutely a wonderful gift.  There are many sick children that can use all the help they can get.