Introduction
Breast milk contains all the nutrients required by the newborn. This is considered one of the best sources of nutrients compared to others, such as formulated milk. Sharing breast milk is not a healthy practice, but some parents do it to provide their newborn with the best source of nutrients. There are so many benefits present in breastmilk, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages mothers to breastfeed the baby for six months, after which solid food can be introduced. But in some instances, the mothers are not able to breastfeed and rely on donor milk. Read the article to know more about breastmilk sharing.
What Are the Benefits of Breastmilk?
Breastfeeding is nature’s way to provide nutrition to the newborn in the initial stages of life. The breastmilk contains a tremendous amount of nutrients, which the newborn requires. Breastmilk content alters depending on the needs of the baby. Breastmilk plays an important role in the development of the immune system of the baby. Through breastfeeding, a good bond is created between the mother and the children.
What Is Meant by Informal Breastmilk Sharing?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed the baby for about six months, after which solid foods can be given along with breastfeeding. But in reality, only one-quarter of the newborns are breastfed in the United States for about six months. Mothers tend to pause breastfeeding over the recommended period for various reasons, which may be physical or insufficient parenting. Many parents opt for formulated milk instead of breastfeeding.
Another way to replace breastfeeding is breastmilk sharing, which can be formal or informal. The formal way of breastmilk sharing is done through milk banks where the donor’s milk is been tested for every aspect, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and hepatitis B. The Human Milk Banking Association of North America sets a standard for milk sharing in the United States. Most of the donated blood is given to the hospitals to provide pre-term babies to lower the risk of health issues.
What Are the Risks Associated With Illegal Breastmilk Sharing?
Breastfeeding is the best way to provide the baby with all the nutrients, but in some cases, the mother will not be able to breastfeed for various reasons. In such cases, people choose formulated milk or donor milk. Donor milk through a milk bank is safe, but informal donor milk can result in many risk factors if contaminated. It can spread the illness or infection to the newborn.
What Are the Things to Be Kept in Mind During Informal Breastmilk Sharing?
Some common things that need to be considered during breastmilk sharing are
- Breastmilk is a human fluid that can be contaminated easily. Breast milk gets easily contaminated by bacteria if not stored properly. Breast milk can also be contaminated with herbs, medications, or drugs the donor consumes. So when the newborn consumes this milk, they can get sick easily.
- If the donor's breastmilk is not pasteurized, the milk can be contaminated by harmful viruses and bacteria. When there is an informal donation of breastmilk, the chance of HIV, hepatitis B, or CMV (cytomegalovirus) is high. The contaminated milk, when given to pre-term babies or babies with any medical condition, will develop problems and will fall sick easily. The donor milk should be collected and stored properly.
- The shared breastmilk can be mixed and diluted with cow’s milk. Babies under one year should have only breast milk or formulated milk. Some studies show that breast milk purchased informally had some amount of cow’s milk. The parents cannot identify the presence of cow’s milk. If this milk is provided to the newborn, those who have cow milk allergy or intolerance can make the baby fall sick. Cow’s milk should not be given to babies less than one year old as it can result in anemia because cow’s milk does not contain all the nutrients required by the baby.
- Instead of consuming informal breastmilk, the donor’s breastmilk can be taken from a milk bank where the breastmilk is properly stored and screened. Milk banks have procedures for each step, like collecting the breastmilk, storing the milk, pasteurizing the milk, and screening the milk to detect any viruses or bacteria. In such a way, the baby can be prevented from any illness or infection. The milk bank provides milk to babies in need, such as pre-term babies.
When Is the Donor Breastmilk Needed?
In the case of pre-term babies, the mother will not be able to produce the required amount of milk. In such cases, the donor’s milk is essential. For pre-term babies, breast milk plays a vital role as it contains antibodies that help to protect the baby from illness and infection and help build the immune system. Donor’s milk also plays an important role for sick children. In the case of low-weight babies, breast milk can reduce the risk of illness as it contains antibodies, whereas formal milk cannot help. In rare cases, if the baby is born through surrogacy or if the baby is been adopted, then the donor’s breast milk will be of great help.
When Can a Mother Donate Breast Milk?
All milk banks have specific criteria for collecting breast milk from the donor. Initially, a blood test will be done, and questions will be asked based on the donor's lifestyle. Some questions are
- Based on whether the donor has any health issues.
- If the donor has ever been HIV, hepatitis B and C positive.
- How much alcohol or caffeine has been consumed regularly?
- Whether the donor is a smoker or uses drugs.
Conclusion
Consuming donor’s milk is a good alternative option if the mother is not able to feed the baby, but the donated blood should be consumed properly. Informal consumption of the donor’s blood can result in many issues for the newborn if the milk is not properly collected and stored and can also be contaminated with bacteria and viruses. Pre-term babies and those with health conditions require donor’s blood. Donor’s blood can be consumed from a milk bank where all the milk is stored correctly and screened, which reduces the risk of infection and illness of the newborn.
