Mothers Milk NZ would not expect you donate milk or share it on FB nor would a bank accept milk from women who have the following lifestyle choices
Although most diseases or infections are eliminated during the pasteurisation process, testing a potential donor is a necessity as premature and sick infants are more sensitive. Your milk is still the best and perfect food for your baby.
We ask that donated milk has been stored in the coldest part of the freezer, i.e the back of the freezer and in receptacles such as breast milk freezer bags and is no more than three months old (upright freezer and 6 months in a chest freezer).
It is a good idea to establish breast-feeding before you begin to express for donation. Most mothers start within a month of their baby's birth and continue for as long as they wish. It is also helpful to establish a regular routine such as expressing at the same time each day as it is much more difficult to maintain a supply of milk if you only express occasionally. Some donors prefer expressing in the morning, others find it easiest to express from one breast whilst their baby is feeding from the other. Over time, your body adjusts the amount of milk you produce to meet the changing needs of your baby. It will also respond in the same way if you express regularly. If you are worried that your own child may not be getting enough, express after your baby has fed. The law of supply and demand will ensure that you are producing enough milk for your baby. Milk donors like all breastfeeding mothers benefit from a healthy diet and plenty of rest.
No donors are paid for milk donation
This is just a brief summary and is not legally binding and individual banks would have there own guidelines.
- Smoker
- Use illegal drugs or other prohibited substances
- Routinely consume more than two standard alcoholic drinks per day
- Routinely consume 3 cups of coffee, tea, or other caffeine stimulant drinks per day (Including cola and stimulant soft drinks)
- Have lived in or travelled to the UK between 1980 and 1996 for a total or cumulative period of 6 months
- Have tested positive for HIV, Hepatitis, or Cancer.
- If you have a medical condition or routinely take medications including some herbal remedies
Although most diseases or infections are eliminated during the pasteurisation process, testing a potential donor is a necessity as premature and sick infants are more sensitive. Your milk is still the best and perfect food for your baby.
We ask that donated milk has been stored in the coldest part of the freezer, i.e the back of the freezer and in receptacles such as breast milk freezer bags and is no more than three months old (upright freezer and 6 months in a chest freezer).
It is a good idea to establish breast-feeding before you begin to express for donation. Most mothers start within a month of their baby's birth and continue for as long as they wish. It is also helpful to establish a regular routine such as expressing at the same time each day as it is much more difficult to maintain a supply of milk if you only express occasionally. Some donors prefer expressing in the morning, others find it easiest to express from one breast whilst their baby is feeding from the other. Over time, your body adjusts the amount of milk you produce to meet the changing needs of your baby. It will also respond in the same way if you express regularly. If you are worried that your own child may not be getting enough, express after your baby has fed. The law of supply and demand will ensure that you are producing enough milk for your baby. Milk donors like all breastfeeding mothers benefit from a healthy diet and plenty of rest.
No donors are paid for milk donation
This is just a brief summary and is not legally binding and individual banks would have there own guidelines.
