Shared nursing, wet nurse, milk donor?? Please help - genuine not a troll!

[User3236569991]

Please don't flame as this is a genuine request. Due to hormonal problems my milk supply has almost become non existent at nine weeks. I've tried everything to increase it at no avail. I've had to put my little girl on formula supplements but her reaction is showing a serious allergic response. Nutramigen has been suggested but the risk of endocrine problems later and devlopmental delay on the formula is terrifying.

I would do anything to keep her on breast milk. Does anyone know of a shared nursing network, 'wet nurse' or anyone/ any organisation that would donate or sell milk?? I would be willing to help look after other children and/or pay. Milk banks only provide to NICU so that's out of the question for us. I've spoken to the national breastfeeding helpline but they're not allowed to reccomend.

I am aware of the potential risks but the balance of options I'm prepared to take it.

Please help if you can.

I would imagine that your best first port of call would be your nearest LLL branch (la leche league). Back when my older children were small, they were lovely ladies always willing to donate milk. You will struggle to get mcuh help with donated milk through NHS channels I suspect.

I'm sure you have tried everything, but just checking if you have tried the common methods of Domperidone tablets? Do you have any friends who are bf? When my ds2 was little there was a point where I was going to ask my friend if she would be able to donate me some breast milk due to health problems of my own. She never had to, but she did say she would be happy to if I needed it.

Obviously that had the benefit that I knew how healthy she was so I was satisfied the breastmilk was safe.

Have they reccomended any other milks than nutramigen?

LLL doesn't arrange milk donation (although some mothers that go to the group may be willing to help out) but there is this organisation that links up donors and recipients. Good luck :)

I would definitely also say look to your local breastfeeding support group.

We have lots of women at our group who are willing to donate milk - we tried to donate to our local NICU but they can't process it quickly enough so they didn't need us! It might be the case that someone there can help you.

Where in the country (roughly) are you?

I'm in South East England...

Human Milk 4 Human Babies is a milk sharing network (you can get in contact via FB UK page) or as suggested you might find some mums with a spare freezer stash via LLL or a bfing group.

Have you contacted an IBCLC/BFC to discuss you falling milk supply?

I would happily be a wet nurse for you if you were in Bristol. But there must be more women in your area who would, try the link TruthSweet suggested, I "like" it on FB but their page doesn't seem to get that many successful matchups (unless they're all PMing each other instead of posting on the page).

But yes, other than that try local breastfeeding cafes/support groups. There might be breastfeeding events organised (like picnic type things) now it's hotter, there will always be someone willing to do it at something like that.

Or even just your local baby group, like at Surestart centre/church/playgroup. Just find someone who's breastfeeding, they're obviously local which is easier for you both, and ask them. Most women will have been tested for HIV during pregnancy, so you can ask to see the results of that if you're worried.

if you were closer i have a freezer full of BM you could have (about 5 pints i think)

I cant see how it could stay frozen from yorkshire to your house?

nannyl - Info on couriering frozen milk.

have you asked around people that you know?

My friend had problems with her DS feeding, and I sent her some milk through the post (that was hairy - would recommend getting someone who lives close to you to do it!)
She's coming own to me in a fortnight, so I've been expressing every day to build up a supply for her.

I hope you find someone who would be willing to do the same.

I thoroughly recommend you talk to a BFing group local to you - I bet there are quite a few BFers who would be able/willing to express a bit for you.

nannyl - pack it up well with icepacks (those you put in picnic boxes) wrap it with fabric etc and put it in a waterproof tub. Send it Special Delivery by 9am. When I sent to my friend, most of it was still frozen, and that which wasn't was enough for a feed.

dry ice! fabulous idea!

medway facebook group
uk nct facebook page
la leche league kent

I have ongoing hormonal problems and my breast milk litterally dried out when i was BF my DD, because the GP messed up with the correct dose of my medications. Probably you already tried this but, if you haven't, have you considered consulting an endocrinologist? If you live in the London area I'll be happy to recommend you mine, he saved my breastfeeding and after he fixed the dose I breastfed my DD for 11 months

I am in south east England and have a freezer full of BM! Let me know if I can help, I have blood certificate, as had stem cells collected when my baby, now 6months, was born.

Sorry you re having this problem, just wanted to check you've had your thyroid levels checked too?

Thanks so much to those who have offered to help. I would gladly take frozen offerings at this point if you are serious and we can have a chat about how old it is and any health points.

I've tried most of the above - lots of disciussions with LLL and others but they can't recommend by policy. No one who I know can help really. Domperidone is the next resort.

Still very serious about a wet nurse too. Sadly Bristol is a little far or I'd take you up on it!! Xx

feel free to PM me

i have loads.... am moving house in 3 or 4 weeks ish, and i think it will go in the bin then.
I am a milk bank donar so have had all the milk donar checks, and meet all the criteria, and i tried to donate it to my milk bank a couple of weeks ago, but because their pasturisation machine is broken, they have too much breast milk, and cant store any more, and are choosing to only take milk from very young babies, so dont want mine

No milk left, weaned about 3 years ago but wishing you well and hoping lots of milk comes your way. WIsh I could wet nurser or donate milk :)

I've PM'd you. I have a frozen stash too, but not sure of the logistics of it getting to you.

it would be better i think, to go to the meetings and get chatting to the ladies who go as well, and maybe there'll be someone who will offer.
the organizers aren't allowed to, but there's nothing to stop the people who go there recommending...

Hope you find someone soon to help you, it sounds difficult :(

I think you should try domperidone, definitely - good that's next on the list. An endocrinologist sounds like a fantastic idea too.

Are there real concerns about developmental delay and endocrinological problems with Nutramigen? Are you talking about Nutramigen AA, which is an elemental formula and has been mooted to contain MSG? there are other hypo formulas that might be more acceptable to you.

this isnt something i'd ever thought of but finding myself with oversupply and wishing i had twins to feed - its genius! will look into expressing and storing...would be great to help others

NannyL, HunterJ and KD076 - it would BR great to take you up on you kind offers (KD I didn't get your PM and can't see how to do it on my phone)!! Can we PM to see what we can do??

BigBoPeep if you are in the SE I'd be pleased to talk!

Just started the domperidone - slightly scared of the warning on the pack...

I have emailed human milk for human babies to see if they know how to go about transporting the various frozen stashes.

Hi OP,
I am in London and I need to start pumping for a while to keep my supply up a bit as have a baby with a poor suck. I would be happy to freeze and transport for you if you wished. Baby is 12 weeks. PM me if you are interested.