In a revelation that’s not exactly groundbreaking, it turns out that buying breast milk online from anonymous sources may not be the smartest move. Surprising, right? What could possibly be risky about obtaining bodily fluids from a stranger over the internet?
The Risks of Buying Breast Milk Online
Let’s address the obvious: you have no clue who this person is or their health status. Seriously, why would you even consider giving your baby something that came from an unknown individual? Beyond that, recent research indicates that ten percent of breast milk sold online is diluted with cow’s milk. Experts warn against introducing cow’s milk to infants before their first birthday, as it contains high levels of protein and minerals that can strain a baby’s still-developing kidneys. Moreover, it lacks essential nutrients like iron and vitamin C, potentially leading to iron-deficiency anemia in some babies. Yet, one in ten online milk samples has been irresponsibly mixed with something that babies shouldn’t be consuming. That’s concerning!
Marketplace Concerns
After browsing a popular online breast milk marketplace, it’s hard to fathom why any parent would feel at ease purchasing milk this way. One site promotes its services by saying, “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? Well, that’s a tougher sell.
To sell their milk on the site, sellers must agree to specific terms, including pasteurization (with at-home tips provided) and adherence to best practices for expressing, handling, and storing human milk. However, these are merely suggestions—not requirements. Buyers are left to do their own research, like requesting screening forms from the seller. While some ads claim “safe, healthy” milk, not all can back that up with documentation. The Washington Post reported that a study found three-quarters of online breast milk samples contaminated with harmful bacteria, including salmonella. The study’s author stated, “It’s pretty clear, based on the findings of this and our prior research on infectious disease risks, that obtaining milk for your babies that way is not a safe practice or recommended.”
Consider Safer Alternatives
It seems that some parents might be taking the “breast is best” slogan a bit too far. It can be stressful for mothers struggling to produce enough milk, but if you’re adamant about providing breast milk over using formula (which is a perfectly healthy alternative), consider going to a breast milk bank that screens for disease and bacteria. Let’s apply a little common sense here.
For more information on safe and healthy options for home insemination, check out this helpful post on intracervical insemination. If you’re looking for an authority on the subject, visit Cryobaby’s Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit. And for parents navigating pregnancy, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, while the idea of buying breast milk online may sound appealing, it poses significant risks due to the lack of regulation and safety measures. Parents should prioritize their child’s health by seeking out safe, screened options instead.