Breast milk for an adopted baby?

Question

I was wondering if any of you who have adopted a baby would ever consider buying/using breast milk from a reliable source (friend or family member) over using formula for your adopted newborn? I'm a new mother to a 10 wk old, and I produce enough milk for twins! I have several bags of frozen milk in my freezer, and I would love to give it to a needy adopted baby that otherwise would have to be fed formula.

Answer 1

I would definitely do that.

Look in to a milk bank, or talk to your local La Leche League chapter.

Answer 2

I think that's a wonderful and very generous idea. I adopted a baby several years ago and would love for him to have been able to have breast milk. Be aware that there are some people who will be weirded out by the whole idea and others who will undoubtedly think it's against some natural something or other but, I think it's great. Good luck!

Answer 3

i believe breast milk is very valuable in certain areas. some adoption centres here encourage breast milk donating so that they can sell it to foster parents. the money made will be for the babies' use. look for this kind of place to donate your milk, it would be greatly appreciated, i'm sure!

Answer 4

I would consider using the milk of a VERY trusted family member or friend.  Never from anyone else, though, because all kinds of stuff can be transmitted in breast milk & there's no way to know 100% what the nursing mother was doing or had.

Answer 5

Call your local hospital to see if they will accept it for preemies. Many hospitals have programs for women who make extra milk.

Answer 6

I too produced enough milk, probably for triplets, when my baby was little. I tried to donate but they wouldn't let me since I lived in Europe for over 5 years.  

If you do donate it to someone, be sure to follow the La Leche guidelines - freeze it right away, seal it properly, etc.

Answer 7

There are actually breastmilk banks for babys who are preemie or failure to thrive or where very ill babys have mothers who are unable to breast feed.  Maybe check into something like that.  They take the time to test the breastmilk too.

Answer 8

Thats incredibly thoughtful of you!  I don't know the guidelines or rules regarding that kind of thing but I just wanted to say thanks for being so kind!