Let’s address the elephant in the room: purchasing breast milk online from anonymous sources is not exactly the wisest decision. I mean, really—what could possibly go wrong with acquiring bodily fluids from a stranger on the internet?
Safety Concerns
First and foremost, there’s the glaring concern of safety. You have no clue about the health status of the person you’re buying from. Why would you consider giving your baby something that originated from an unknown individual? Compounding the issue, recent research revealed that roughly ten percent of breast milk sold online is mixed with cow’s milk. This is particularly alarming because infants should avoid cow’s milk until they reach their first birthday. Cow’s milk contains high levels of protein and minerals that can strain a baby’s still-developing kidneys. Plus, it lacks essential nutrients like iron and vitamin C, which could lead to iron-deficiency anemia in some infants. Yet, one in ten online samples of breast milk has been diluted with an unsuitable substitute. This is concerning, to say the least.
Online Breast Milk Exchanges
After browsing a popular online breast milk exchange, it’s difficult to understand why any parent would feel secure buying milk this way. One site promotes itself with phrases like “Buy, sell, or donate breast milk with our discreet classifieds system in a clean, safe, and private way.” Discreet? Sure. Private? Absolutely. Clean and safe? That’s a bit harder to guarantee.
The platform requires sellers to agree to certain guidelines before listing their milk. They must ensure the milk is pasteurized (with at-home pasteurization tips provided) and adhere to “best practices” for expressing, handling, and storing human milk, which includes shipping and freezing methods. However, these are merely recommendations, not strict requirements. It’s ultimately up to the buyer to request screening documentation from sellers. Glancing through various ads, many claim to offer “safe, healthy” milk, yet not all can substantiate those claims with screening evidence. A study cited by the Washington Post found that about 75% of online breast milk samples tested positive for harmful bacteria, including salmonella. The study’s author pointed out, “It’s pretty clear that, based on the findings of this and our prior study, obtaining milk for your babies that way is not a safe practice or recommended.”
Safer Alternatives
It seems some parents may be taking the “breast is best” mantra a bit too far. While it’s understandable for mothers to feel stressed if they can’t produce enough milk, opting for a breast milk bank that screens for diseases and bacteria is a far safer choice than buying from an online stranger.
Let’s use our common sense here, folks.
For more insights on this topic, check out this related post from our sister blog. And if you’re considering home insemination options, you can find trustworthy resources like the CDC’s ART page and reputable retailers such as Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits.
Conclusion
In summary, while the idea of buying breast milk online may seem appealing, the potential health risks involved should give any parent pause. Prioritizing your child’s safety is essential, and opting for screened sources is the more responsible approach.
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