Can I buy breast milk? The truth about purchasing liquid gold
Breast milk is considered to be the most nutritious and best source of nourishment for a newborn baby. It contains important antibodies and nutrients, which are essential for the baby’s healthy growth and development. However, sometimes, due to certain reasons, mothers are not able to breastfeed their babies. This is where the idea of buying breast milk comes in. In this article, we will explore the truth about purchasing liquid gold and answer the most common questions related to it.
Can I buy breast milk legally?
Yes, it is legal to buy and sell breast milk in most countries, including the United States. However, the sale of breast milk is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, and sellers are required to follow certain guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the milk.
What are the guidelines for selling breast milk?
- The donor must be screened for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.
- The donor should not smoke, drink alcohol, or use any illegal drugs.
- The milk must be stored properly and transported safely to ensure its freshness.
- The milk should be labeled with the date and time of expression, the donor’s name, and any medications or herbs taken by the donor.
It is important to note that these guidelines are not legally binding, and it is up to the buyer to ensure that the milk they purchase is safe and of high quality.
Where can I buy breast milk?
There are several online marketplaces and websites where you can buy breast milk, such as Only The Breast, Milk Share, and Breast Milk Classifieds. These websites allow you to connect with donors in your area and purchase their milk directly. However, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing breast milk through these websites and research the donor and their milk thoroughly.
What are the risks of buying breast milk online?
The main risk of buying breast milk online is the possibility of contamination or infection. Breast milk can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C, which can be passed on to the baby. In addition, some sellers may not follow proper storage and handling guidelines, which can result in spoiled or unsafe milk.
It is recommended that you only purchase breast milk from a reputable source and verify the donor’s health status and milk quality. You can also consider using a milk bank, which collects, tests, and pasteurizes donated milk from screened donors.
How much does breast milk cost?
The price of breast milk varies depending on the seller and the location. Typically, breast milk is sold for $1 to $4 per ounce, with prices being higher for organic or specialty milk, such as milk from vegan or gluten-free mothers. Some sellers also offer discounts for bulk purchases.
Is it cheaper to buy formula instead of breast milk?
No, buying formula is generally more expensive than purchasing breast milk. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, formula feeding can cost up to $2,900 per year, while breastfeeding costs about $1,200 per year. This is because formula is more expensive than breast milk, and formula-fed babies may require additional medical care due to increased risk of infections.
Is buying breast milk safe?
While buying breast milk can be safe if purchased from a reputable source, there are certain risks involved, such as contamination and infection. It is important to research the donor and the quality of the milk thoroughly before making a purchase, and to follow proper storage and handling guidelines to ensure the safety of the milk.
What are the benefits of buying breast milk?
- Breast milk is considered to be the healthiest and most nutritious food for babies, containing important antibodies and nutrients that are essential for their healthy growth and development.
- Buying breast milk can be a good option for mothers who are unable to breastfeed their babies due to medical or personal reasons.
- Some mothers may choose to supplement their own breast milk with purchased milk to ensure that their baby is getting enough nutrients and calories.
Conclusion
Buying breast milk can be a good option for mothers who are unable to breastfeed their babies or need to supplement their own milk. However, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing breast milk online and verify the donor’s health status and milk quality. It is also recommended that you only purchase breast milk from a reputable source and follow proper storage and handling guidelines to ensure its safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is it legal to buy breast milk?
Yes, it is legal to buy and sell breast milk in most countries, including the United States. - Where can I buy breast milk?
You can buy breast milk from online marketplaces and websites like Only The Breast, Milk Share, and Breast Milk Classifieds. You can also buy it from a milk bank. - What are the risks of buying breast milk online?
The main risk of buying breast milk online is the possibility of contamination or infection. - How much does breast milk cost?
The price of breast milk varies depending on the seller and the location, typically $1 to $4 per ounce. - Is buying breast milk safe?
Buying breast milk can be safe if purchased from a reputable source and proper storage and handling guidelines are followed.
References
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM). (2010). ABM clinical protocol #8: Human milk storage information for home use for full-term infants (original protocol March 2004; revision #1 March 2010).
- National Bureau of Economic Research. (2020). The cost of breastfeeding: A call to incorporate the constitutionally-protected support of lactation into the workplace.
- The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). (2017). Guidance for the Donor-Screening and Human Milk Processing Industry: Recommendations of the USBC.