Diaper Swappers

lindsey.leanne · 07-23-2012, 11:48 AM

What are your thoughts on donor milk? Would you use it if you couldn't supply all your little one needed?

AnimalHouse · 07-23-2012, 12:23 PM

I've donated thousands of ounces through MilkShare, and have donated countless more ounces to local friends in need. That said, I would only use donor milk if my baby absolutely could not tolerate formula. Obviously I know breastmilk is best, even if baby can tolerate formula... but I prefer seeing donor milk going to babies who have a true medical need for it.

lilmomma83 · 07-23-2012, 12:27 PM

I think all babies have a true medical need for it...and I don't think anyone should be deciding what isa "big enough need" (IMO).

I would definitely use it if my baby girl had less allergies...I have had so many mamas offer to me so graciously.

AnimalHouse · 07-23-2012, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilmomma83

I think all babies have a true medical need for it...and I don't think anyone should be deciding what isa "big enough need" (IMO).

I would definitely use it if my baby girl had less allergies...I have had so many mamas offer to me so graciously.

The child I donated milk to couldn't survive without breastmilk... he has SMA and cannot tolerate food or formula. To me, providing him with breastmilk is more important than giving it to my healthy baby who can tolerate formula (hypothetical baby, because I've never been in the situation to need donor milk). If a mama had to choose between donating to my healthy baby, and my former recipient baby, I would much prefer the milk go to him.

I'm not trying to start an argument or debate, and I never said anyone should dictate what is a medical need... I was simply answering the OP's question with my opinion.

masja · 07-23-2012, 12:36 PM

No, tho I have breastfed my oldest 2 past 2 years of age and will do so with my youngest, if I couldn't bfeed I would have just used formula. Tho I think breast milk is great, it's not "liquid gold" to me so wouldn't feel the need to search out a way to get it. I think it's awesome though that are places that offer these services

lindsey.leanne · 07-23-2012, 12:47 PM

Thanks to those who have answered so far. I have a local mama who offered to help me as I have IGT and PCOS and thus far have been unable to up my supply enough to meet all of my sweet little ones needs. I accepted her offer as she had 500 oz that she was going to dispose otherwise. Thus far we have used it to supplement... I produce somewhere between 10 and 12 oz a day.

AnimalHouse · 07-23-2012, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindsey.leanne

Thanks to those who have answered so far. I have a local mama who offered to help me as I have IGT and PCOS and thus far have been unable to up my supply enough to meet all of my sweet little ones needs. I accepted her offer as she had 500 oz that she was going to dispose otherwise. Thus far we have used it to supplement... I produce somewhere between 10 and 12 oz a day.

That's awesome, mama... about the donor, I mean

. And 10-12 oz/day is still wonderful, especially with IGT and PCOS! If you need more donor milk in the future, and this mama isn't able to help, have you checked out Eats on Feets and MilkShare?

lilmomma83 · 07-23-2012, 01:14 PM

See that's the thing...so many mamas with extra milk that is just going to waste...I know some of my mama friends really want the milk to go to someone they know also.

I'm not saying some babies are not in dire immediate need...but there is no way to really measure who needs more as the benefits are life long.

jjgammon · 07-23-2012, 01:14 PM

In a heartbeat! Like a PP said though, I would rather it be offered to a baby with a serious medical condition first.

Luckily I have sooper boobies so it's not an issue. I make enough to donate, but I have high lipase so it goes to waste

cbreeding · 07-23-2012, 06:51 PM

I think giving or receiving is great, and I would choose this option over formula. In fact, if I was unable to nurse for some reason, I would be open to having a wet nurse (those were the days

too.

Breastmilk is a whole, unprocessed food that is specifically designed for human infants, the health, growth and development. Thankfully our children can survive and thrive on substitutes, but if I can have have/give the real thing, I'll take it.

07-23-2012, 11:48 AM	#1
lindsey.leanne Registered Users Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Chicago Area Posts: 935 Ratings: 52 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Donor milk? What are your thoughts on donor milk? Would you use it if you couldn't supply all your little one needed? __________________ Loving wife to Jon (08/2003) and mother to my fabulous twin boys Alexander Thomas, and Benjamin Samuel (5/16/08) and sweet baby Ezra James born 6/4/12 and expecting TWO new babies in September 2013!

07-23-2012, 12:23 PM	#2
AnimalHouse Registered Users Formerly: mama*ms Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 6,061 Ratings: 74 Feedback: 100% My Mood:**	Re: Donor milk? I've donated thousands of ounces through MilkShare, and have donated countless more ounces to local friends in need. That said, I would only use donor milk if my baby absolutely could not tolerate formula. Obviously I know breastmilk is best, even if baby can tolerate formula... but I prefer seeing donor milk going to babies who have a true medical need for it. __________________ Trying-to-stay-sane mama to four boys, ages 5 and under

07-23-2012, 12:27 PM	#3
lilmomma83 Registered Users Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 442 Ratings: 5 Feedback: 100%	Re: Donor milk? I think all babies have a true medical need for it...and I don't think anyone should be deciding what isa "big enough need" (IMO). I would definitely use it if my baby girl had less allergies...I have had so many mamas offer to me so graciously.

07-23-2012, 12:36 PM	#5
masja Registered Users Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Nanaimo, BC :) Posts: 2,294 Ratings: 86 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	No, tho I have breastfed my oldest 2 past 2 years of age and will do so with my youngest, if I couldn't bfeed I would have just used formula. Tho I think breast milk is great, it's not "liquid gold" to me so wouldn't feel the need to search out a way to get it. I think it's awesome though that are places that offer these services __________________ Veggie Treehugging mama, happily married to my hubby for 12 years . Mama to S (03-05) F (05-09) & F (04-12)

07-23-2012, 12:47 PM	#6
lindsey.leanne Registered Users Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Chicago Area Posts: 935 Ratings: 52 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Thanks to those who have answered so far. I have a local mama who offered to help me as I have IGT and PCOS and thus far have been unable to up my supply enough to meet all of my sweet little ones needs. I accepted her offer as she had 500 oz that she was going to dispose otherwise. Thus far we have used it to supplement... I produce somewhere between 10 and 12 oz a day. __________________ Loving wife to Jon (08/2003) and mother to my fabulous twin boys Alexander Thomas, and Benjamin Samuel (5/16/08) and sweet baby Ezra James born 6/4/12 and expecting TWO new babies in September 2013!