According to a new study, from the Center for Biobehavioral Health at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, women may not be considering the health risks to their babies when using shared or donated breast milk from family and friends.  The researchers out of Columbus asked 500 new mothers in central Ohio what they knew about breast milk sharing, if they had ever used donated milk, or had donated milk themselves.

Sharing or using donated breast milk may not be something you have ever stopped to think about, but not all women are able to breast feed as they would like to.  Further, there has been a boom in the demand for breast milk due to the many proven health benefits it provides infants in their crucial developmental years.  The demand for breast milk has been so high that it has created a flourishing industry, where breast milk can be bought and sold online, and nonprofit milk banks have popped up to provide milk but at a very high price.  But where exactly is this milk coming from?  Although mothers want to provide the utmost health benefits to their growing infants, they could be sacrificing safety when using shared or donated breast milk.

Currently, there are no medical guidelines surrounding shared breast milk.  What is an issue, is that getting milk from a stranger – perhaps ordering it online as you would baby formula – could have more in it than you bargained for.  This milk could have added chemicals, bacterial growth, or even cow’s milk mixed in.  Without screening, a mother will never know.  On the other hand, supplies found at milk banks (which are screened for contaminants) are limited and typically source hospitals to care for babies who need it most.

The study conducted found that about a third of women don't consider the health of a breast milk donor.  Even more shocking is that most women didn’t discuss using donated milk with their health practitioner before engaging in the practice.  These breast milk donors can be family, friends, or strangers – but even if you are family, it is hard to keep track of each individual’s medical history and daily habits that could affect the quality of the breast milk you are feeding your child.

In investigating this issue, the researchers also found that women with more education and higher incomes were more likely to have considered sharing breast milk.  This may seem counterintuitive, as education can breed very careful parents that are extremely aware of health risks – but education also means that the benefits of breast milk are also well noted. Wanting to share milk, ultimately comes from a want to do what is best for a newborn baby.

What do we recommend?

• For new moms: If you are having trouble breast-feeding, seek professional help.  A doctor can go over different ways that you can provide your breast milk to your child (i.e. pumping, special latching innovations)   
• If breast-feeding isn't an option at all: Together with your physician you can come up with a sound plan of care that will be safe for you and your child.  Your pediatrician will be able to create a plan that meets a baby’s individual needs.
• Physicians: Start a dialogue with your patients, especially new or expecting moms.  Provide information regarding breast feeding and breast milk, and be a source where they can come to for answers.
  

What’s the FDA say about using donor milk?

1. Consult a healthcare provider first
2. Consider the safety risks
3. Recommend against feeding your baby breast milk acquired directly from individuals or through the Internet
4. If donor milk is to be used, you should only use milk from a source that screens milk donors and ensures safety of the milk