Continuing on with my forum post inquiring about whether or not non-nursing mamas considered or used donated milk, I saw this concern come up among one of the top concerns posed by moms. Many moms responded that they knew about milk donation but said they wouldn't take breastmilk from someone when they didn't know what that person's diet or medication habits were or what their disease status was. These all sound like very reasonable concerns, but let me try to calm some fears with rational thinking.
Breastfeeding is a conscious decision in most cases. A mom that breastfeeds their child is concerned about the well-being of the baby. It is unlikely that a mom who breastfeeds (or any mom for that matter) would want to do harm to her own child. Her breastmilk that is fed to her own baby is affected by her life decisions and disease status. The chances of her taking in something that could cause harm to her own child or nursing with a potentially harmful disease that could pass to her child are low.
But what about diet? Should a mom be concerned about the overall nutrient value of the milk she feeds her baby? Despite the low probability of a mom taking on medications that could harm the baby, diet is quite another thing. Not all moms eat well, even well meaning moms. Most of us fall into the habit of eating fast food once or more per week. Should this be a concern? It sounds logical, but surprisingly, the answer is, "No." The body has an amazing way of making sure that breastmilk has the appropriate amount of nutrients to grow a baby regardless of the diet of the mom. According to KellyMom, among other sources, the mother's own system is more likely to take a hit from nutritional deficiencies than her milk. Just like in pregnancy, the mother's body does all it can to provide for the baby, even if that means taking from the mom's own stores. Prenatal vitamins are for the health of the mom, not the growth of the baby. The same goes for breastfeeding. Eating well and ensuring proper nutrient intake while nursing helps the mom to stay healthy and put back into her body what is taken in the production of milk. This is one of the many reasons that in the third world it is not uncommon for young children to continue to nurse far beyond infancy because breastmilk is far more nutritious than the limited amount of food they may have access to. Regardless of the diet taken in by the mom, you can rest assured that the milk she donates is nutritious.To add more fuel to the fire, despite the small possibility that a mom may take a medication that is not recommended during breastfeeding, it is important to think about the caliber of woman that pumps milk. A mom that pumps milk is so concerned about her own baby's health that she is wanting to provide her milk for her baby even when she is away. Either that or she's pumping to help her supply to be able to provide more of her own milk than supplement. Regardless of the main reason, a mom that pumps is doing so to ensure a successful breastfeeding relationship with her baby. That's how important it is to her. She is conscientious enough to pump and that concern is likely to affect other areas of her life in the decisions she makes about diet (even though it may not directly affect her milk) and the medications she takes. Pumping takes time and effort. No mom that pumps takes the activity lightly. This care and concern is passed along when a mom chooses to donate. Additionally, there are two types of donors - those that donate extra milk they can no longer use and those that pump extra for donation purposes. A mom that donates extra milk she has stored intended that milk for her own child but in finding she is unable to use it sees such a high value to that milk, that she won't just throw it away - that is how precious it is. A mom that pumps extra for donation is taking extra time out of her day that she may not otherwise take to pump for another person - someone who cares that much for another mom is only thinking of helping and supporting other moms and she will ensure the milk she donates is just as safe and healthful as the milk for her own child since her own child is nursing as well.
While illnesses and disease status may be of concern with donated milk, there are a few ways to address this possibility. An open an honest dialogue with a potential donor may present a situation that a recipient mom is not comfortable with; however, as long a good communication is maintained, these concerns may be addressed and likely, through the donation process the moms will become friends and trust will be built. Another option is receiving milk from a milk bank where the milk has been screened and pasteurized. While some feel the pasteurization decreases nutrient content, the nutrient alteration is negligible and a recipient mom can rest assured that the milk is free from harmful bacteria (although, at the same time, it's free from beneficial bacteria as well, so that is something the mom needs to be aware of).
The bottom line, is that a mom that donates is likely a person of high standards of care for he own child and a very caring individual. She cares enough to nurse her own child and on top of that, pumps to either nurture her own child or help someone in need. Pumping and donating is not malicious or negligent. It is a true gift from a caring individual who values the gift as much as the mom who receives it.
For the next part in the series, click here: Part V - The Cost of Donor Human Milk
Please see other entries into this series Milk Donation Dilemma:
Part I - The Importance of Breastmilk
Part II - The Availability of Donated Milk
Part III - Bodily Fluids
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