Question about donating breastmilk to Haiti

penguingrrl

Please forgive me if this comes across as snarky because I really don't mean it to be.  But, if they're sending donated breastmilk to the orphans in Haiti, are there facilities set up to handle the breastmilk?  I'm thinking about how they will keep it chilled until it's ready to use, how will they warm it up once it's ready and, most importantly, how will they adequately clean bottles and nipples when I presume water and hot water are a huge issue right now? 

I'm curious whether the little single-serve bottle-with-nipple formula setups they have in hospitals might not be a better option in these particular circumstances since then you can dispose of all of it rather than trying to wash it without proper facilities.

If they have proper facilities to give babies donated breastmilk I am considering donating some of mine since I have quite a bit pumped and Emma will no longer take a bottle.  I ask this because DH and I were discussing possibly donating it and we were both curious about how this is handled.

~Kat~

I didn't even know that people were doing that. I am a very much pro bf'ing, but yeah, formula seems like a better option in this case.

emilykristene2006

I would probably contact Human Milk Banking Association.

Contact: info@hmbana.org
Phone: 919-861-4530.

 https://www.hmbana.org/

GL!

 

 

ToledoDeux

I'm of the opinion that RTF formula is the best option, too.  There are milk banks that handle donations to crisis areas all the time and presumably are set up to handle the refrigeration issue, etc....but I think it's a waste of resources, personally.  Formula seems much more practical and cost-effective in this situation.

goodheartedmommy

Assuming they can manage to distribute it without it becoming contaminated, breastmilk is far superior to formula in this situation. In america, it's rarely the difference between life and death--in an emergency situation, a breastfed infant is something like 6 times less likely to die than a formula fed infant. Now, that does not take into account breastmilk fed from a bottle vs. formula fed from a bottle, and a major risk associated with formula feeding is the bottle itself (washing the nipple). Still, in a disaster zone, the antibodies from breastmilk are very important. Also, diarrhea is a very likely occurrence from formula (especially in a previously breastfed infant), and would likely be deadly to a baby.

So basically, my stance is: if it's possible in any way, breastmilk should be given to the infants who were already receiving breastmilk but cannot for one reason or another. 

Another scary thing to remember with donating formula is that it will likely be given to a mother who is currently breastfeeding. Take into account the risks I stated before, along with the fact that she will not be able to afford formula once the free formula is gone, and you have a big problem on your hands.

I'm not saying formula should not be donated--it will be lifesaving for a lot of babies. But breastmilk is the best choice for babies who were already receiving breastmilk. 

~Kat~

That it true, GHM. I didn't think about the fact that most of the infants were probably previously breastfed. The last thing those babies need right now is diarrhea on top of everything else. I hope that they are able to make good use of any donated milk.

penguingrrl

goodheartedmommy:

Assuming they can manage to distribute it without it becoming contaminated, breastmilk is far superior to formula in this situation. In america, it's rarely the difference between life and death--in an emergency situation, a breastfed infant is something like 6 times less likely to die than a formula fed infant. Now, that does not take into account breastmilk fed from a bottle vs. formula fed from a bottle, and a major risk associated with formula feeding is the bottle itself (washing the nipple). Still, in a disaster zone, the antibodies from breastmilk are very important. Also, diarrhea is a very likely occurrence from formula (especially in a previously breastfed infant), and would likely be deadly to a baby.

So basically, my stance is: if it's possible in any way, breastmilk should be given to the infants who were already receiving breastmilk but cannot for one reason or another. 

Another scary thing to remember with donating formula is that it will likely be given to a mother who is currently breastfeeding. Take into account the risks I stated before, along with the fact that she will not be able to afford formula once the free formula is gone, and you have a big problem on your hands.

I'm not saying formula should not be donated--it will be lifesaving for a lot of babies. But breastmilk is the best choice for babies who were already receiving breastmilk. 

Thanks GHM.  I was hoping you might have some answers.  The reasons you stated are why I'm considering donating.  Ideally, I think I would want donated bm to slow the transition to formula for BF infants who lost their mothers since a slower transition from bm for formula would be easiest on their digestion (unfortunately, I don't see a way for the world to keep enough bm coming in to EBF these babies until age 1-2).  I was just curious about the logistics and whether this was possible in terms of sanitation, which is why I suggested RTF formula with disposable nipples (I'm usually more ecologically friendly than that, but this is a desperate time and immediate health is a more pressing concern in this instance).  I'm going to assume that whoever is leading the bm donation has worked out the sanitation logistics and I think I will contact them for further information.  Some of the milk I have is from before I eliminated dairy and soy, so Emma can't drink it anyway and I'd rather not toss it if another baby can benefit from it.

goodheartedmommy

I agree that feeding EBM may just not be possible. In that case, RTF with disposable nipples would be the next best choice. Eco-friendly, no, but it would most likely save lives (the disposable nipple and bottle). Unfortunately, if you do some research into what options were used in prior disasters, it was powder formula, which can obviously be problematic since the water is not necessarily safe for drinking. I don't know the logistics of making EBM a possibility for these babies, but I do know that I firmly believe that if it's possible, it's the best choice.

penguingrrl

I would hope if they're sending powdered formula they're sending bottled water to mix it! 

JOEBunny

Donating BF seems like a waste of energy in the face of all the problems the country has.  Donating antibiotics, water purification systems, food, that might be a more effective use of energy.  I agree with you, it is kind of like donating electricity to people who don't have a house.

After reading GHM post, she is right that a formula fed baby is more likely to die in a developing county, but imported BM is not going to improve those odds.  The reason is because of tainted water/mothers diluting formula to make it last longer not because BM is that far superior.  

There is another product, I think it is called plumpynut that has shown great promise in the developing world to help babies.  

Shananah

Just butting in to let you know I've been organizing some resources via my blog (link in sig) to see if donating is at all feasible.   If so, I've spoken with local BFing groups about organizing a milk drive in my city and will be looking for Moms in other towns interested in doing the same.

goodheartedmommy

JOEBunny:

Donating BF seems like a waste of energy in the face of all the problems the country has.  Donating antibiotics, water purification systems, food, that might be a more effective use of energy.  I agree with you, it is kind of like donating electricity to people who don't have a house.

After reading GHM post, she is right that a formula fed baby is more likely to die in a developing county, but imported BM is not going to improve those odds.  The reason is because of tainted water/mothers diluting formula to make it last longer not because BM is that far superior.  

There is another product, I think it is called plumpynut that has shown great promise in the developing world to help babies.  

I do agree that the lack of good, clean water is a major issue, and a dangerous one with formula feeding. But yes, breastmilk is also that far superior. I don't think that breastmilk makes that big of a difference for your child here in America. The child will still have access to clean water, good foods, and excellent healthcare. In a third world country, disaster or not, breastmilk is essential for survival. Add in a disaster, and it's even more important. Breastmilk has qualities that formula could never mimic.