There are times when a mother does not or cannot breastfeed her baby as in the case of separation, illness, death of the mother, the mother has a low breast milk supply, or simply the mother chooses not to breastfeed but wants her baby to have the benefits that come from breast milk. Hospitals that care for premature infants will use donor breast milk because of the additional nutrients in breast milk that provide antibodies and protection again disease as well as the right amounts of other nutrients that the babies are able to digest.
!!!What Are the Sources of Donor Breast Milk?
The sources of breast milk are many and varied.
*Friends or relatives
*Advertisements on the internet
*Newspaper or magazine ads
*Breast milk banks
The price for breast milk varies depending upon the source and the seller. Two other questions that should be asked when using donor breast milk:
#Is the milk authentically …show more content…
There are many sources of breast milk including private donors found through the internet and breast milk donor banks. Individuals are discouraged from purchasing milk from private donors until they can ensure that the milk is completely safe for infant consumption. This includes making sure the breast milk has not been mixed with cow's milk or other liquids to expand the volume; that the milk is not contaminated with drugs, chemicals, viruses, or bacteria; and that the milk has been handled and stored properly at temperatures to maintain freshness and safety. Donor milk banks are available all over the world and regionally in the United States to provide breast milk; these milk banks use safeguards such as donor screening and testing, milk testing, pasteurization of milk, and safe storage until distribution. Following these guidelines will help to ensure that babies receive breast milk that is both nourishing and safe for