My Experience with Sharing Breast Milk

 

So milk sharing... what the heck is that? And why would I even want to share my breast milk or have my baby drink some one else's breast milk? Well, today I wanted to share my personal experience with shared breast milk and why I needed it for my baby. Hopefully this will help some of the stigma out there about sharing breast milk.

 

 

 

 

So first things first, why did I decide to use another women's breast milk for my baby. So Evelyn was born two weeks early and her GI system wasn't quite fully developed. When she was born I fully intended to exclusively breastfeed for at least six months. I only lasted three weeks. Evelyn had a hard time eating and so my milk supply diminished significantly in a short period of time. I was devastated. I had all these good intentions for my daughter but the fact was I couldn't sustain her needs on my own. After talking with a wonderful lactation consultant, we tried all different kinds of formulas but poor Evelyn had a hard time keeping anything down and she was losing quite a bit of weight.

 

At this point I was stressed, sleep deprived, and desperate for anything that would help my baby gain weight. I was talking to a friend about my issues who had an older infant and she told me how she had tons of breast milk stored in her freezer but she was unable to use it because her son refused to wean. So she gave me all of it! I was and still am totally grateful to this friend. I believe the total milk supply she gave us lasted for about a month and half  and once it was depleted, Evelyn's GI system had matured to the point where she could better handle formula.

 

Before I had decided to do this though, I did a lot of research. I looked at a lot of accredited websites and I realized that there is a lot of controversy about sharing milk. I believe the biggest concern is that the milk may be "contaminated" because the mother is taking prescriptions, has diseases, smokes, etc. In the end, I called my lactation consultant and asked for her opinion. She told me that because I personally knew the person the milk was coming from and because she didn't smoke, drink, take drugs, etc., then she would be comfortable about me taking the milk from her.

 

Now, if you are considering taking someone's breast milk, here are a couple things to consider. First things first, you are the parent. You ultimately have the decision to take someone's milk and give it to your baby. If you feel confident and comfortable, then wonderful. If something feels off, then listen to your gut.

Secondly, I would talk to the person who is giving you their milk. Ask them the important questions, do they smoke, drink, are they on prescriptions, do they have any diseases you should know about. I would definitely recommend sharing with someone you really know and trust, but again it is a personal decision.

 

What if you would like to share breast milk but you don't know anyone who lives around you that would be willing to share? What if you have an excess supply and would like to share your milk with others? There are a couple websites that I found that could be helpful to you.

 

If you are willing to share your breast milk, the Human Milk Banking Association of North America is always looking for donors. They have quite a few donor centers around the country and in Canada. The milk donated mostly goes to those babies who are preterm or sick in hospitals. If interested, check out their website and find a location near you.

 

If you are interested in sharing milk or receiving milk for a baby at any age, then I would check out Milkshare. This website has all kinds of information about sharing milk, how to store breast milk, how to help your milk supply, and much more. It also helps you connect with other mothers who either need or are willing to share their milk.

 

Again as I have said throughout this post, please do your homework and then do what you are most comfortable with or what you feel is best for your baby. I hope that my experience helps you and that you have happy and healthy babies of your own!

 

Love, Karlie