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Frequent Asked Questions
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- How do I know if I am a candidate to donate milk?
Almost any nursing mother can donate. If you are healthy with a good medical history, you are a likely candidate. You will need to complete a medical survey and have your blood tested for diseases at no cost to you. After that, you can begin donating.
- Why should I donate?
Breast milk gives babies the nutrition and disease-fighting proteins they need to help them grow. Many moms donate their extra milk to help babies in need. Most donors report a sense of satisfaction knowing they are providing complete nutrition to premature or sick infants.
- When can I start expressing milk for NMB?
You should start breastfeeding your own baby before you donate. We recommend you wait three to four weeks after your baby's birth to begin donating.
- When should I express?
When and how often you express your milk is up to you. Most donors find it easier to set a time each day to express milk. If you notice that you have more milk in the morning, that would be a good time to pump. It can be harder to collect milk if you do not express it regularly. Some moms express from one breast while their babies feed from the other.
- Will I have enough milk for my baby if I donate?
Your body makes milk on a supply and demand basis and adjusts to the amount of milk needed. If you are worried about your baby getting enough milk, you can express an hour or so after feeding your baby. If your baby's doctor is happy with your baby's weight gain, there is no need to worry about having enough milk.
- How much milk should I express?
This is up to you. There are no rules about how much you should express. Different donors produce different amounts of milk at different times of the day. What works for one mom may not work for another. Find out what works best for you and your baby. And remember, even small amounts of milk can feed a lot of very small babies. In fact, two ounces of expressed milk can feed a premature baby for one to two days.
- What equipment will I need as a donor?
NMB provides each donor with all necessary equipment. You will be issued an electric breast pump with instructions for use and cleaning, pre-labeled bottles with filling instructions, and a thermometer to ensure that your freezer is at the proper temperature.
- How do I prepare to express my milk?
Wash your hands and nails carefully in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry using a clean paper towel. Do not handle your pump until you have washed your hands. If you shower daily, you do not need to wash your breasts before pumping. Breast massage sometimes helps the flow of milk. After massaging the breast, roll the nipple back and forth between your finger and thumb. Stretch the nipple slightly. This will encourage the release of hormones that help the flow of milk.
- How should I store the milk prior to shipping?
Pump directly into the provided bottles. Do not touch the inside of the lid or bottle. Always leave space at the top of the bottle for expansion. Freeze the milk immediately after expressing. Full bottles should be stored in a container or bag, separate from other foods in the freezer. If you are donating previously collected milk, please contact the donations coordinator with the collection dates.
- What if I have taken medications?
Check with the Donations Coordinator about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter remedies (those you can buy without a prescription from your doctor). The Coordinator will tell you whether you qualify to donate while taking your medications.
- What if I am ill?
Please contact the Donations Coordinator whenever you are feeling ill or if anyone in the family is ill. The Coordinator can tell you if you should stop donating until your illness passes.
- Can I drink alcohol while donating?
Most doctors say that alcohol in moderation is safe, as long as the baby is not fed immediately after having a drink. NMB accepts milk from donors consuming less than two units of alcohol per day (a unit is equal to one glass of wine, one beer or one shot of liquor).
- What do I do if I go out of town?
This is up to you. Expressing when you are away from home can help you maintain your milk supply. However, finding freezer space and transporting the milk may create problems. You can always stop expressing while you are away and then resume when you return home.
- How do I get the milk to the National Milk Bank?
You will need to ship the milk to NMB using the provided packaging and shipping label. Instructions will be included with the Donor Equipment Kit. We usually ask that milk be delivered within two weeks of expression; however, if you are collecting milk for one large donation, you can wait up to three months. In addition, if you have been storing milk in your freezer prior to contacting NMB, we can accept the donation if it is less than three months old.
- Does the National Milk Bank have a confidentiality policy?
Any information collected about donors remains confidential. Babies who get donor milk remain anonymous. We try to keep donors informed of what happens to their milk, but cannot guarantee that they will be able to share any details.
- Will only babies receive my donated milk?
Any milk donated through NMB will ONLY go to sick babies in hospitals. However, breastmilk does have uses in the adult market as well. People with cancer drink breast milk to calm their stomachs after chemotherapy, make their immune systems stronger and help digest food. Burn patients use it to heal their burned skin. Organ transplant patients use breast milk to fight infections.
- Will I be paid for my donations?
NMB does not compensate donors for milk. However, we do cover all related expenses.
- What resources are available if I have more questions?
Call the Donations Coordinator for your area. The Coordinator can help answer questions and direct you to other resources.
- What is the time frame for accepting previously-collected breast milk?
Currently, milk that has been properly frozen for 6 months can be accepted. Research is being performed to possibly extend this cut-off.
- After lactation begins, how long can a nursing mother donate to NMB?
Currently, NMB accepts milk from qualified donors who have been nursing for 12 months or less.
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