I have been following the milk banking thread and the post about an
infant being nursed(without consent) at daycare by someone else(not the
mother).  I believe that continued promotion of breastfeeding and
published evidence of the risks of abm, are increasing the interest and
demand for human milk. I see this demand not from mothers of sick babies
but from mothers who for whatever reason quit breastfeeding/or never
breastfed.  They have healthy babies but want the best for their
babies(can't blame them).

In my small town, I have talked to various mothers who feel that they
cannot access the milk banking system(being one of the many states that
does not have a milk bank).  They tell me that they are willing to risk
untested human milk on their infants(I did discuss the risks and tried
my best to talk them into relactation).  It is obvious to me that they
had contact with other women who are willing to give or sell their
milk--untested.  Likewise, I still hear of mothers nursing babies that
are not their own(usually friends)with consent not like the recent post
without the mother's consent.

While the medical community does not recognize this "underground"
movement, it is part and parcel of a health care system in trouble.  As
more people are without health insurance and access to the system
becomes limited, people find inexpensive alternatives.  It has been
eye-opening  that in the last year or two I have had some mothers ask me
to help them resolve a suspected breast infection without antibiotics.
Why?  Not because they have holistic/alternative health beliefs.  But
because they made too much money to have Medicaid, had no health
insurance, and their family had no extra money to pay a doctor and
medication.

I think "underground" human milk exchanges and wet nursings among
friends will continue and expand as the crisis in the health care system
grows.  We may also have to recognize that many adults may be interested
in using human milk for various illnesses, thus increasing a demand.  If
the human milk banking system cannot provide it, enterprising people
will fill in that gap for their own financial benefit.  Valerie W.
McClain, IBCLC

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