With all the talk about breastfeeding, I can't believe I didn't start this conversation sooner. It looks like we have a lot of mommies here who are breastfeeding their little ones, so I wanted to tell you all about a wonderful milk bank that you can donate to. It's called National Milk Bank
http://www.nationalmilkbank.org/When I started breastfeeding, I had so much milk! I already knew that I wanted to donate to a milk bank b/c they do wonderful things for sick and premature babies. I looked around at all the different banks, but this one was by far the best!
Firstly, you have to fill out an application and send in a DNA swab from the inside of your mouth (they use this to verify all the milk you send in is from you). The application has basic info about you and your baby--health questions and the like. You have to also get your doc and your baby's doc to fax a form saying you and your baby are healthy and everything. They send these papers to you quickly. Then, once approved, they send a nurse to your house, yes, to your house (no going out!) to take a blood sample. The blood sample is to test for certain diseases and illnesses (just like they test you for when you're pregnant).
Once approved, you can send in milk recently pumped and frozen if you have some saved up. Or you can start saving right away.
Here is the best part....
If you don't have a pump, they will send you one --FOR FREE! They also send you all the supplies needed. Milk storage bags, plastic bottles to pump with, coolers and ice packs for shipping---everything! They even pay for the overnight shipping of your milk. You don't have to pay a single penny for anything. Most of the other banks had some sort money involved, such as shipping the milk, and I just couldn't afford it.
There is no minimum amount you have to pump--you can pump once a day, or 5 times. You just freeze the milk and send it when you have enough to fill the cooler. As you all know, every drop counts!
You do have to get re-certified every 4 months if you wish to keep donating.
On top of everything, the 2 women who run it are very friendly and helpful. I had many questions, and they were always quick to answer. They even send you little thank you gifts and notes every once in a while.
I was so happy to have found them. I really felt like I was doing something wonderful for babies who needed breastmilk the most, besides, I had so much extra. I hope everyone will think about doing this. I know I will every time I have a baby.
Digg
