Nikki,
            There are a few points that I would like to address in reference
to your post:
            1.  Milk banks do not pay donors.  The Mennonite woman that you
spoke about must have been pumping her milk for a research company. I cannot
imagine a milk bank having the finances to pay donors for their milk. Many
years ago the Delaware bank paid a small stipend, but that has been
discontinued since I can remember. The Delaware bank has been in existence
sine 1947and things have changed a lot over the years.
            2.  Milk banks often receive requests for milk for research.  We
do not provide it if the research is related to developing a human milk
substitute.
            3.  There is a donor consent that is signed by the donor that
states: "I have voluntarily chosen to donate my milk to the Mothers' Milk
Bank.  I understand that I will not be paid for the milk I donate.  I am
also aware that my milk will not be sold, but a processing fee will be
charged to the recipient of the milk.  Should my milk be unsuitable for
feeding premature or ill infants, it may be used for research purposes."
Every donor signs this consent.

I am concerned that you have implied an incorrect picture of donor milk
banking to the subscribers of Lactnet.  Each milk bank that is a member of
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America abides by strong ethical
values.  As stated on our website:” The Human Milk Banking Association of
North America (HMBANA) is a multidisciplinary group of health care providers
that promotes, protects, and supports donor milk banking. HMBANA is the only
professional membership association for milk banks in Canada, Mexico and the
United States and as such sets the standards and guidelines for donor milk
banking for those areas."  Believe me, Nikki, I can speak for all member
milk banks that we value our donors and the wonderful gift of their milk
that they donate to us.  Feel free to make contact with with any milk bank
that is a member of The Human Milk Banking Association of North America for
additional information.

Donna More', RN,BSN,CCRN,IBCLC
Coordinator, Mother's Milk Bank
Christiana Hospital






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