How to Use a Breastmilk Bank

A breastmilk or a human milk bank sells donated breastmilk to parents who want their babies to get all the benefits of breastmilk, but who can't produce breastmilk for their babies. If you want to buy breastmilk for the baby, the only place to be sure you are getting healthy breastmilk is from a breastmilk bank.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Talk to your baby's pediatrician. You need a prescription to purchase breastmilk and the doctor can a recommend a breastmilk bank to use.

2. Contact the breastmilk bank closest to your area, so shipping fees are lessened and the breastmilk is transported the shortest possible distance. Find out the procedure to purchase this bank's breastmilk and get any shipment questions answered. Each bank is a little different, so make sure you understand the procedure at the bank you choose.

3. Speak to your health insurance company. Human milk banks charge between two and three dollars an ounce for breastmilk. This cost will quickly add up as your baby grows. Many insurance companies will pay for all or for a portion of the cost of breastmilk.

4. Make certain you have plenty of room in your freezer for your breastmilk. Consider purchasing an extra freezer or a deep freeze so you can store your purchased breastmilk.

Resources

• Contact La Leche League for more information about using a breastmilk bank.
• Contact the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) for a listing of human milk banks.