Post by ProfessorArtNerd on Feb 10, 2016 21:39:09 GMT -5
My Lenten sacrifice is to add an extra pumping session to donate to a milk bank. (And all the other bottles I have to freeze because mr bottle refuser is being a turd burglar but I digress)
Any sources? Tips? I am pretty sure CHOP is going to start taking donor milk soon, but is there anywhere else I should check out?
Post by lostlenore on Feb 10, 2016 21:43:46 GMT -5
I didn't even have enough supply for one baby!
However, SIL has donated breastmilk. She was on a local Facebook page where people would post asking for milk or offering I guess. Then they would meet up to deliver it. A little risky for the person getting the milk, but SIL was happy to help other moms.
I donated a milk bank in Indianapolis where I live.
I had to do a phone interview as a pre-screening, fill out a long medical questionnaire, and then go for a blood test that they paid for before they'd accept milk. My doctor and my DD's pediatrician also had to fill out a form saying donating wouldn't put my health (or her's) in jeopardy.
There were a few rules as well. Off the top of my head: -donating mothers could not take supplements like fenugreek -pump parts had to be sterilized if you were donating milk from that pump. -milk pumped within 12 hours of alcohol consumption could not be donated.
I tried donating to a milk bank but couldn't because I take allergy meds. I have a friend who donates through Human milk for Human babies on FB. If the donation goes to a stranger she offers to provide health records but I imagine most don't.
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My niece was a ridiculous bottle feeder, but my brother and SIL tried a straw cup and she took to it immediately (right around 5 months old, maybe?). It's made a big difference for them.
Post by cabbagecabbage on Feb 11, 2016 8:48:16 GMT -5
I looked into it but did not since I didn't have that much extra supply. I would have gone for a direct donation to a mom in need personally. It's so much simpler and I'd rather my milk feed a baby than it be processed and stored to be used in many different ways. No matter what you choose, it's a good deed and way to go!
I donated a milk bank in Indianapolis where I live.
I had to do a phone interview as a pre-screening, fill out a long medical questionnaire, and then go for a blood test that they paid for before they'd accept milk. My doctor and my DD's pediatrician also had to fill out a form saying donating wouldn't put my health (or her's) in jeopardy.
There were a few rules as well. Off the top of my head: -donating mothers could not take supplements like fenugreek -pump parts had to be sterilized if you were donating milk from that pump. -milk pumped within 12 hours of alcohol consumption could not be donated.
We were given doner milk in the hospital. After my milk came in and we figured out our BF issues I ended up having an over supply so I wanted to give back, and help another mom like I was helped. Unfortunately I wasn't able to because I was taking Zoloft for PPD.
Same to everything above about the pre-screening. I called the Lactation department at the hospital I delivered at and they gave me all the info on how the process works.
This is awesome you want to donate. It was such a blessing that the hospital gave us some when we were there. It was a gift that I am forever grateful for. It brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about it because it helped us so, so much. Good for you Momma!!
Post by rachel6789 on Feb 11, 2016 12:26:22 GMT -5
No advice, just wanted to say that I think it's awesome you're doing it.
I would have loved to, but I had a lazy feeder and ended exclusively pumping for her. My supply was never great and I really had to work to get 4-5 oz each time I pumped. I never had enough to stash and freeze, only enough to stay ahead of her feedings by a day or two.
I did. I joined a local breastfeeding group on FB and managed to clear out my entire chest freezer by donating.
I also donated some to a coop, I had to do blood tests, doctor check up, and fill out few forms. I didn't really like that I had to wait forever for them to send me an insulated box to ship out. I'm still waiting for them to send me a box that I requested in December 2014! So I abandoned them and turned to my FB group.
Post by definitelyO on Feb 11, 2016 13:22:38 GMT -5
I did b/c DS couldn't drink mine and I didn't want it to all go to waste. Where I live the local hospital has a milk bank. I had to go down, answer health questions and they did a blood draw. After that I just drove down and dropped off the milk. Mine was a one time donation due to production, etc.... but hopefully it helped out someone...
I donated through a FB page called eats on feets or something. I "partnered" up with a foster mom and ended up giving her over 1,000 ounces. It was a foster to adopt situation and she was so thankful to be able to give her little boy the same start she was able to give her other kids. Sadly, on our last meeting she told me she was losing him to a bio relative, after having him for over 10 months. My heart broke for her.
I posted in a local FB breastfeeding group about where I could donate. Someone (a GBCN saw my post) and referred me to a friend who had just adopted a baby that was born with health conditions. She texted me a good time she could pick them up and I was SOOO happy I was able to help. The baby was tiny like my FTT baby. My DD#2 could not handle BM and I had pumped a whole ice chest full for her.
i didn't read the responses, but i just want to remind you of a little conversation where you were celebrating nursing for three solid days. fucking. rockstar.
if you go to LLL.org and search for a local group, you can call the leader and she'll know.....or she'll be crazy enough to find out
I did! I still drank a double espresso a day. I went through HMBANA.org to get set up with the closest bank. I had to get some forms filled out by my pedi and OB, fill out a questionnaire, and pop into a lab for quick blood work. It really was nbd. When I had a batch I called them and they sent me a cooler. I filled it up, stuck on the pre-addressed envelope and called FedEx to come get it. It was a really good experience and I'm glad I did it. I even got a certificate at the end. :-P
I also donated to an HMBANA milk bank (Mothers Milk Bank of North Texas). They provided all of my supplies and paid for all of my screenings and shipping costs (I'm in GA). They were great to work with and I knew that my milk was getting to the babies that needed it the most. I'm really proud of the over 3000 oz I was able to give.
Post by Shreddingbetty on Feb 11, 2016 23:55:26 GMT -5
I used to donate through human milk for human babies and eats on feets. I couldn't donate to the milk bank because I had had a blood transfusion post partum. I donated to a couple of moms who had adopted babies. i must add that I always felt like a drug dealer with my little cooler meeting someone at a gas station or whatever