Breast milk banks

[ParsleyCake]

Are there breast milk banks in the uk? I'm not sure whether I'd be able to produce enough yet, but if I can, is it possible to donate/sell through a third party? I wouldn't just want people turning up at my door...Also, if it turns out I can't breast feed, is there a safe source of donated milk I could consider, or is formula my only option?

There are breastmilk banks, yes. You have to have blood tests & answer lifestyle questions etc before you are allowed to donate. I've donated to two different milk banks and both times they have sent couriers to collect the donations. There aren't that many though so it depends on where you live. More info here www.ukamb.org

As to getting donated milk for your baby, I certainly think you would struggle to access milk bank donations for a healthy baby, and I don't know what informal networks exist...

Search for Human Milk for Human Babies on Facebook. The women there will be able to give you more advice. Be aware, however, that such informal arrangements are not regulated and the milk isn't tested for safety.

Many large hospitals have milk banks. I only have experience of King's London, but there you can donate once you have had blood tests. Your baby has to be under six months when you begin donating. This milk is generally used for sick babies in the NICU, rather than for otherwise healthy babies.