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Writer's pictureDanielle Facey

Everything you Need to Know About Breast Milk Sharing

Breast milk is often referred to as "liquid gold" for its vital role in infant nutrition and development. However, for many mothers, breastfeeding isn’t always straightforward. 


Issues like a lack of support, low milk supply, illness, or even the pressures of work can make it difficult to provide enough milk for their babies. On the flip side, some mothers may have an oversupply and wish to donate their excess milk to help other infants thrive. In these instances, breast milk sharing has become a powerful tool for mothers to support each other.


In this article, we’ll explore the different types of breast milk sharing, discuss safety considerations, and highlight how modern platforms, like the Udderly app, are making it easier for mothers to make informed choices about sharing breast milk.


1. The Rise of Breast Milk Sharing


Breast milk sharing isn’t a new concept. Historically, wet nurses provided milk to babies who couldn’t be breastfed by their own mothers. Today, with advancements in technology and a growing sense of community among mothers, milk sharing has evolved into a modern movement that empowers women and provides essential nourishment for babies.


Research shows that breast milk offers numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of infections, allergies, and chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes in children. For mothers unable to produce enough milk, receiving breast milk can help ensure their babies receive these protective benefits. Conversely, mothers with an oversupply often find joy in knowing their extra milk can help other babies thrive.


2. Types of Breast Milk Sharing


There are several ways breast milk can be shared between mothers. Each method comes with its own set of benefits and considerations.


Peer-to-Peer Sharing


This is one of the most common forms of milk sharing, where mothers connect directly with each other to donate or receive milk. This connection is often made through online communities or social media platforms. Peer-to-peer sharing relies heavily on trust, making it crucial for mothers to communicate openly about health, medication, and lifestyle choices that could affect the their milk .


Milk Banks


Milk banks are regulated institutions that collect, screen, and pasteurize breast milk before distributing it to hospitals and families. These banks are often used to provide milk to premature or critically ill infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The rigorous screening and processing ensure safety, but milk from banks can be difficult to access due to high demand .


Milk Sharing Platforms


In recent years, milk sharing platforms have emerged to bridge the gap between peer-to-peer sharing and formal milk banks. These platforms, like the Udderly app, provide a secure and private way for mothers to connect, while also emphasizing safety through donor screening, informed choice, and safe handling practices. Platforms like Udderly combine the community-driven spirit of peer-to-peer sharing with added security and convenience .


3. Is Breast Milk Sharing Safe?


Safety is a top concern for any mother considering breast milk sharing, and understandably so. Fortunately, with the right precautions, milk sharing can be both safe and beneficial for babies.


The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both recognize breast milk sharing as a viable option, especially when milk banks or the mother's own milk is unavailable . However, they emphasize the importance of screening donors for infectious diseases, safe milk handling, and pasteurization when necessary.


Some platforms, like Udderly, support these recommendations by requiring donors to share health information and by offering guidelines for safe milk storage and handling. Udderly also empowers mothers by offering resources for home pasteurization, a process that can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting diseases through breast milk .


4. How Udderly Empowers Mothers


The Udderly app is designed to make breast milk sharing more accessible, safe, and empowering for mothers across the U.S. Created by moms, for moms, Udderly emphasizes informed choice, donor screening, and safe handling practices as the core of its mission.


With features like donor profiles, reviews, and a donor map, Udderly makes it easy for mothers to find reliable donors nearby. The app’s secure platform ensures that connections remain private, and its resources on safe milk handling help mothers navigate the process with confidence.


Beyond its functionality, Udderly fosters a community of mothers who support one another. Whether you’re a mother with an undersupply looking for donor milk or a mother with an oversupply wishing to share, Udderly provides a platform for women to connect, nourish, and empower each other.


5. Every Drop Counts


Breast milk sharing offers a compassionate solution for mothers and babies in need. By connecting women who have a surplus of milk with those who need it, breast milk sharing platforms like Udderly are helping to ensure that every baby has access to the vital nutrients they need to thrive.


The choice to share or receive breast milk is deeply personal, but it’s a choice that mothers should feel empowered to make with confidence and support. With proper education, donor screening, and safe handling practices, breast milk sharing can continue to be a safe and nurturing option for families everywhere.


If you’re interested in learning more about breast milk sharing or joining the Udderly community, download the app today and start your free trial. Because every drop counts.


With love,

Danielle 

❤️


References:


1. Victora CG, Bahl R, Barros AJ, et al. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 2016;387(10017):475-490. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01024-7

2. Horta BL, Loret de Mola C, Victora CG. Long-term consequences of breastfeeding on cholesterol, obesity, systolic blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatr. 2015;104(467):30-37. doi:10.1111/apa.13133

3. Keim SA, Kulkarni MM, McNamara K, Geraghty SR. Coworker and peer encouragement increases milk sharing. J Hum Lact. 2016;32(4):650-656. doi:10.1177/0890334416663191

4. Arnold LDW. Donor human milk banking: Process, outcomes, and the impact of pasteurization. J Hum Lact. 2006;22(2):240-249. doi:10.1177/0890334406286325

5. Geraghty SR, McNamara KA. Breastmilk sharing: How to handle milk donations and purchases. Breastfeeding Med. 2020;15(5):298-302. doi:10.1089/bfm.2019.0325

6. American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 2012;129(3):e827-e841. doi:10.1542/peds.2011-3552

7. Steele C, Bixler G, Feeney S. Home pasteurization of donor milk: Benefits and best practices. Breastfeed Rev. 2018;26(2):11-18.




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