Donating breast milk.

[Lollyheart]

I would like to donate my breast milk, I've got a couple if hundred ounces in my freezer and running out of space.

How does it all work? Do they want frozen milk or fresh milk?
Do I need to be tested for things etc?
Tia.

I donate my breast milk

normally you need to live nearish to one of the 12 hospitals in this country that have breast milk banks.

You will need 1 blood test to check for HIV / hepatitus etc (stuff that is tested for when you give blood)

You need to be healthy, and not drink more than 2 caffinated drinks per day, and no more than a few units of alcohol (not in 1 sitting) per week.

the ONLY medications that are allowed to have past your lips are asthma inhalers, progesterone only oral contraceptive pill and paracetamol. No herbal remedies / supplements either. You need to eat a normal-ish diet. (ie not be vegan, or eat only mostor munch and jammie dodgers etc etc )

If you have lots to donate then if the milk can be got to the milkbank, then its worthwhile for them to do the test.

Frozen milk is fine (so long as freezer is below -18)

Baby normally needs to be under 6m for 1st donation
Once baby is a year old, they dont want your milk anymore

hope that helps

That's a big help thanks,

I know the nearest milk bank collects in my area. The only problem is the caffeine bit, I drink more then two things a day, I'll cut down tho if it means my milk helps other babies

Hi lolly

I'm a trustee of the UK Association of Milk Banking and I do a lot to support milk banking.

Feel free to message me to discuss your personal situation, or join "UKAMB" on Facebook. There is also a website - www.ukamb.org

It's an amazing thing to do - thank you for considering it :)