Donating milk

Dave asked me tonight if I would consider donating milk to our local hospital - I think its really sweet for that to come from a bloke!
The hospital where we had all our boys uses donated EBM to feed prem babies if needed - and they are always asking for donors.
Is it before baby is 6 months old you have to do it?
I feel I have a very good supply now, and Corey is thriving, so I would like to consider it - especially as Dave is supportive of it. And when I pump, I am filling a bottle (min 7 ounces) - but it is all going in freezer as we are not currently giving him EBM.
Just fishing for any thoughts really! :p:

Think its a great idea would consider it myself if knew what proceedure is at my hospital - might enquire but not until Mollie a bit older. Let me know what you find out and if you do it how it goes.

http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/newparents/donatingmilk.htm

Hope this may be of some help.

:aww: yes it needs to be before 6 months. You rock mama. And Mr Great Man Dave rock's too

Kay i found loads of information from the United Kingdom Association for Milk Banking http://www.ukamb.org/milkbanks.htm when i looked into it! It gives you details of all the hospitals in the UK that have milk bankc that you can donate to.

I've been a milk donor for a few months now and i love it that me and Bethany are helping babies at the special care baby unit!

When you contact the hospital you donate for you have to have some blood tests (for HIV, Hep B, etc.) just to give you the all clear, as you no those kinds of things can pass through breast milk to baby. Whilst i was waiting for the results they gave me loads of strerile bottles so i could be freezing them at home.

As soon as the results came through i took the stockpile to the hospital as we werent in the area they would collect form as we live about 45 mins away from the nearest hospital that uses the milk. However, most hospitals do collect the milk for you.

You dont have to go crazy and do it every day as they told me the campain logo is 'Every drop counts'. So i usual do 1 or 2 bottles a week. I'm gutted though that you can only do it till baby is 6 months old - i think its something to do with your milk maturing more? Not sure though!

Its so satisfying being a milk donor - if you can do it you'll love it! :aww:

just emailed the nearest milk bank to me to see if they consider me to far away. Will let you know how we get on.

Sarah is that Huddersfield? thats were i donate - think thats your nearest one?

Yes it is Huddersfield. i've told them i live in rotherham, about 1 mile from junction 1 M18. Waiting to hear if we too far away or what happens next.

Sarah they sent me needles (which i thought was a bit dangerous!) and stuff with the donor bottles in the post so i could get my blood tests at my own doctors and send them off to them. Then it was just a matter of taking bottles of my milk in a freezer bag when i had a stockpile - that way i didnt have to be going there everyweek. Especially as i dont drive - i have to get hubby to take me! I think the woman is called Paula Wood who deals with the donor milk - she's really nice and helpful (only spoke to her on the phone tho).

cheers helen will keep you informed

That is so cool!!!!! We don't have anything quite like that here. We do have milk banks but it is not as easily accessible as this sounds. Of course, my baby is well over 6 months now, but I am impressed with you girls and all your extra milk! I work so dang hard for every drip...

That is a great idea Kay (or Dave i should say)

I have had a call back today, and they are sending all the stuff out to me
Lady coming to see me on 11th June to take blood etc, but sending bottles etc for me to start in the mean time.
She wanted to know how I heard about donating milk - and is very interested in Forum She is going to take more info when she comes to visit!

let me know how you get on, cos i'm waiting to hear from huddersfield, i've emailed them.

Birmingham women's hospital is sending me the tubs etc to donate, was surprised cause we live quite a way from Birmingham. Feeling good about it!! Its nice to know its going to help some little babies, and mommies. I've told my best friend and my brother - neither of them really said anything. Its nice to tell people who understand!!

Well done girls!!! :aww:

How brilliant! Well done all of you!

Wow thats fantastic everyone!!!

Thanks Kay for mentioning the forum!!!

:flower1:

do you think it would be an idea to take some fenugreek to get my supply up before I start donating?

No, fenugreek should only be used as an emergancy back up only, just give as much as you can hun and no more.

Fenugreek aswell as other galactogues taken in the wrong circimstances could cause you to have over supply issues resulting in bloked ducts or mastitis.

Do the best you can hun :aww:

Eventualy you milk will double anyway if your pumping and feeding, I suggest you pump on the other while feeding ont he one side.

ok, thanks. I thought even if I can only get on oz a day it will help. I read today an ounce of milk feeds a premature baby for one and a half days!!

I don't think they would take milk anyway if you would take any med/supplements.

And you are so right: every drop is important! :aww:

Every little helps, I was the same when I started pumping, had hardley any, but you get into the swing of it eventualy and you will find the right pumping motion.

Thanks ladies xxxxxxxxxx

Heard from huddersfield scbu today they sending me blood forms for tests and some bottles to get me started. Will let you know how it goes