Buying Breast Milk: What Parents Need to Know

When you're buying breast milk, you're not just buying a product—you're making a decision that affects your baby’s health, safety, and well-being. Donor breast milk, human milk provided by another lactating person, often through screened milk banks or private arrangements. It's used when a mother can't produce enough, when a baby has medical needs, or when adoption or surrogacy is involved. This isn’t something to take lightly. Unlike formula, breast milk is a biological substance, and how it’s handled, stored, and shared makes all the difference.

Milk bank, a nonprofit organization that collects, screens, pasteurizes, and distributes donor human milk under strict medical guidelines. Also known as human milk bank, it’s the safest route for most families. These banks test donors for infections, require lifestyle disclosures, and pasteurize milk to kill harmful bacteria while preserving nutrients. In contrast, buying milk privately—through social media or informal networks—carries risks. There’s no guarantee of cleanliness, storage conditions, or donor health history. A 2023 study in the Journal of Perinatology found that over 40% of privately sourced milk samples contained bacteria that could harm infants, especially preemies. Even if someone means well, their milk might be contaminated from improper handling, expired storage, or medications they’re taking. You can’t see or test for these issues at home.

Parents who need extra support often turn to breastfeeding support, resources like lactation consultants, peer counselors, or community groups that help mothers increase supply or find alternatives. Before buying milk, ask: Can I boost my own supply with the right tools, diet, or pumping schedule? Are there local programs that offer free or low-cost donor milk? Some hospitals and nonprofits provide milk banks with sliding-scale fees or even free samples for qualifying families. And if you’re considering private donation, always insist on a signed health questionnaire, proof of recent blood tests, and clear instructions on how the milk was expressed, frozen, and shipped.

There’s no shame in needing help. But when it comes to your baby’s nutrition, safety must come before convenience. The posts below cover real stories, expert advice, and practical steps—from how to find a trusted milk bank to what questions to ask before accepting milk from a stranger. You’ll also find guides on pumping, storage, and when formula might be the better choice. This isn’t about guilt or judgment. It’s about giving your child the best possible start, with clear, honest information.