Human milk-sharing networks: Take an ounce, leave an ounce

Article by: AIMÉE TJADER , Star Tribune
Updated: March 18, 2011 - 2:42 PM

Mothers who cannot provide their own breast milk say benefits outweigh health experts' concerns that using untested milk is an unregulated, risky practice.

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mbrname4126Mar. 19, 1111:31 AM

Private milk sharing, done properly, is certainly less "risky" than formula feeding. Just like human milk, certain batches of formula can be tainted, causing illness. But formula feeding's risks don't end there. Babies who don't get human milk have health risks that last a lifetime. Higher rates of allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and certain childhood and adult cancers are all associated with formula feeding. The scant risk of private milk sharing seems much less "risky" in comparison. Kudos to all these mamas!

flumomMar. 20, 11 9:38 AM

I'm sad this article still makes it sound like milk sharing is a bad thing. Milk banks don't *sell* their milk to just anyone. It is meant for preemie's/very sick infants. The cost is a deterrent for most families, and the pasteurization process would kill any of the additional "good stuff" that is in human milk. I know most people say - well then just use formula, but I know I don't want to take the risk that I'm feeding my baby bug parts.