what do I need to donate?

[Kiliki]

I wanted to donate some BM when I had DS but it didn't work out b/c it took me so long to get enough to mail. I was so disappointed. It was an informal process, and I did not get any bloodwork done or sign up with any specific place or anything.

I am due the beginning of April with DD2 and I'm wondering what all I will need to try again to donate this time. I hate blood work, I'm very bad with needles, but seeing as I need to have one more blood draw in 3 weeks anyway, I was thinking I may as well have the lab work done to become a formal donor, right?

So, my questions are, where do I sign up? And how often will I need to get the bloodwork done? Will my bloodwork done at the end of pregnancy be enough to donate for a while? What things do I need to have tested? Is there a website that I can sign up with or something?

Thanks!

[Little Miss Kate]

Here is a good place to start
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/....php?t=1152599

I donate through milkshare and have had very good experiences, the resource on how to store and ship milk are really great on that site too

[laura_mae99]

For moms moms on EOF, DS and MS... u wont need blood work. As long as u are honest and true about what u eat and meds u take and if u have aids ex. then u are good to go!!! EOF is the best place to donate as its huge adn u can find allot of people. www.eatsonfeets.com if u have a facebook i would take a look at your local group (( you state and see how is in need )) or if u want to take a look at the DS link the mom gave u above thats another idea. To ship u would need to save up 500oz or so... :-) But if u dont have a deepfreezer and dont want to save up and want to donate 100oz to 200oz at a time i would try more local with Eats on feets. For me i start out pumping a little before each feeding and a little after each feedings (( right after i have baby )) this lets me tell my body i want to make more mik... and get use to producing a little more :-) U will need a good pump as well. some moms can hand express and use cheap pumps. But for me i have to use a hospbital grade pump. I got mine off ebay in 2006 and i love that think... has helped me get more milk out then with any other kind of pump and donate to more babies. But u have to do what works for you... Post up in the DS group or EOF group and ask if theres moms in your area that need donor milk.. U might find someone in your own town... Just write u are a breastfeeding mom and want to help and want to see if anyone is in need in you own area... U can add me on facebook if u would like laura_mae83@hotmail.com I am the admin for EOF shipping :-) and i have tons of photos on my face book page on how 2 ex. Congrats on the new baby coming and congrats on becoming a breast milk donor!!! Its an amazing feeling to help another life!!!