I am curious as to whether anyone has considered the impact on a baby 
whose mother is actively pumping to donate to a milk bank? If the 
feeding pattern determines composition, then how does pumping affect 
the composiition of the milk the baby receives? On one site, mothers 
are encouraged to donate their "extra" milk, but what is extra milk? It 
is also suggested they wait several weeks before pumping, but is that 
really long enough? When we are pumping, we are creating a surplus, but 
is that extra? Are some mothers more at risk of plugged ducts and 
breast infections due to pumping when their babies do not need the 
increased supply, especially if the reality of life means an erratic 
pumping schedule? I am not against donor milk in any way and think it 
should actually be the only alternative to a mother's own milk, but I 
wonder about interfering in the dance between mother and baby that 
assures her baby the perfect milk for him. Should we evaluate the 
possible impact on the baby, on the mother and on their relationship, 
especially so that mothers who choose to provide milk can do so in the 
best way possible?
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

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