Discuss with each other how you would like to proceed. Does someone have a small donation or a recurring amount for you? Do you want to email a list of questions or ask questions over the phone? Are you a good fit for each other? Do you want to meet in person first? What questions would you like to ask each other? Can you drive to each other? Does the milk need to be shipped?¹ Do you need a pump? Do you want the donor to be screened? Who will cover what costs? Etcetera.

It is also important to discuss what your donor would like you to do with their milk if your baby will not take it or if you have more than you need. In order for you to pass on someone else’s milk, it is not enough for you to have their permission. The donor will need to post their offer again, and you can be the pickup location. The new recipient needs to be able to screen the donor themselves. It is important that all parties practice safe handling and storage.

In most cases, Eats on Feets does not personally know the donors, nor does Eats on Feets screen them, so you must know your source. While it is true that the sharing of breastmilk offers many benefits, the risk of disease/contamination (albeit extremely low) does exist. Therefore, caution needs to be exercised, particularly with premature and sick infants.

Remember to practice safe social networking.

Next section: Do you have suggestions for addressing donors?

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1. It is best not to send money to strangers for shipping. This is often a scam. ↩︎