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Mrs.Cooley2bee
member
Clicky Poll: Donating BM
Mrs.Cooley2bee
member
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Clicky Poll: Donating BM
I voted no. While I do appreciate the whole idea behind it, I also see the potential for problems. When I was EPing and had a ton of milk, I considered donating through MilkShare, in addition to donating through the Mother's Milk Bank. Charlie wasn't a big fan of the MilkShare/Eats on Feets model, and I found his opposition incredbly annoying, but eventually I had to concede that he had a point.
His main concern was with the lack of testing - what would happen if someone received milk from a few different mothers, but there ended up being something wrong with some of the milk, or some infectious disease passed through the milk, or some other issue - you're opening yourself up to a lot of liability there. What if they tried to sue you?
I get that you're busy, but I was, too. It only took about 20 minutes to go and get the blood test. They really make it as simple as possible for the mothers who are donating.
Emeline 5.28.13
My Blog
Post-Baby PRs
Esri 5K 7.16.2014 - 21:30
Heart Half Marathon 3.16.2014 - 1:43:30
Canton City Marathon 9.8.14 - 3:30:56
Basically a Mom with extra milk can give it directly to another Mom who needs it. There is no exchange of money.
This is a link to the FB Page https://tiny.cc/mcehj
This is what the "Info" section says:
Eats On Feets Ohio is a group run by non professionals facilitating access to human milk for human babies and children. We provide a commerce-free space where women can share their milk in a safe, ethical manner and families can make informed choices.
Common Sense Information:
Eats On Feets Ohio is a milk sharing network.
It is a place where women who want breastmilk for their babies can find women who have breastmilk to share.
The details of milk sharing arrangements and relationships are to be negotiated between the donors and recipients.
Participants are making an informed choice to share human breastmilk and understand both the risks and the benefits.
Human milk is the biological norm for human babies.
A woman with a disease may pass disease through her milk.
Blood screening is available through your local health resources.
Please follow safe handling and preparation guidelines.
We are NOT providing medical advice.
Participants should contact their health care provider(s) to discuss risk.
A Resource Guide is available if you would like to learn more about breastmilk sharing. Please contact a page administrator for the guide
I'm not opposed to going through a bank but I am not willing to give up milk that is less than 3 months old and the stuff I have is "old" and not in the correct containers. I also don't have 200 ounces.
Interesting point about being sued later. I'll have to ponder that one :0)
I would call about the 200oz requirement. That wasn't in place when I donated, and I know that they're pretty desperate for donations right now, so I bet they would waive the requirement if you asked.
You don't have to use their containers, either - I used gallon freezer ziploc bags because I had so much extra milk.
The fact that you're "not willing to give up milk that is less than 3 months old" is a good enough reason NOT to do the MilkShare/Eats on Feets. It just seems to go against the spirit of the grassroots site to keep the "best stuff" for yourself, and donate the "less desirable" milk, even though I completely understand why you would want to.
Emeline 5.28.13
My Blog
Post-Baby PRs
Esri 5K 7.16.2014 - 21:30
Heart Half Marathon 3.16.2014 - 1:43:30
Canton City Marathon 9.8.14 - 3:30:56
I probably will call them to see if they will take less than 200oz. When Asher is closer to a year old I would be willing to part with newer milk because I can be more sure that I he won't need it.
Just for clarification, the only reason I don't want to give up newer milk is because from what I read your BM changes in composition over time and it contains nutrition best for the age of your baby. I want to feed him milk that is close to his age. I guess I don't really think of it as "less desirable". The Moms that want donated BM most likely won't be giving their 6 month old milk from a mother with a child of the same age. The 4 month old milk is perfectly good for 6-12 months (deep frozen) depending on the source you rely on.
I've been pondering the same thing. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the potential liability in donating via Eats on Feets. But, a lot of what I have is older than 3 months and I don't know exactly which milk might have claritin or advil in it. Of course, that may not matter. I'd have to look at how much I have that they would take. I have started mixing in some frozen with bottles during the week to use the old stuff up before it goes bad.
I didn't even vote because I'm definitely not having an over-supply issue. This post opened my eyes to the possibility of milk swapping. I didn't even know that such a thing exisited. I thought that it was always just for sale on craigslist or donated to milk banks for those special needs babies.
Maybe I'm in the minority, but if my supply continues to slide (last dip due to AF so I'm hoping for a rebound) I'm going to consider this.
Thanks bumpies for educating me.
You can have mine if you want it. I'd rather give to someone I have a connection with than a random stranger on the interwebs. You can PM or FB me if you're ever interested.
Ditto this. I'd even be willing to provide proof of all the same bloodwork testing required for donation to the milk bank. I'm sure my PCP wouldn't mind running the panel and providing the paperwork.
Mrs.Cooley - maybe we can organize our own thing.
You're welcome to mine too
.
When I first heard the story on NPR, it gave me some warm fuzzies and it seemed like a great idea. But, the more I thought about it, it made me nervous. Probably if I re-listened to the story, I'd be fine with it again.
Wow!!! Cooley - I friend requested you on FB. T3 and mag2, I would consider all of you. I'm really hoping that my supply increases again though. I've been nursing DD at lunch and have been pumping enough for two bottles minus an ounce or two due to my last dip. When AF leaves, hopefully my supply goes back up and it will be a non-issue.
I had major supply issues, PP, with DS1. Therefore, I truly empathize with anyone in the same boat. Just let me know. My offer stands.
I do hope your supply goes back up, but, if not, my (freezer) door is open.
I found this site on FB too...at this time I have almost 5 months worth of frozen milk in my freezer, and I don't want it to go to waste. I may look into the other banks, and I don't know how strict they are. I don't know exactly what days I may have taken various meds, and I honestly don't have the money to go to the doctor to pay for bloodwork if need be.
I am too willing to donate to bumpies on here if need be.