For mothers struggling to produce enough breast milk, many turn to online milk-sharing platforms as an alternative to formula. However, a recent study has raised alarming concerns about the safety of this practice. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, discovered that approximately 10% of the breast milk samples purchased online contained cow’s milk or infant formula mixed in. This contamination poses significant risks for families with children who have specific medical needs, allergies, or intolerances to formula.
Researchers from the National Children’s Hospital found that 21% of parents seeking milk online had a child with a medical condition, and 16% of those kids had a formula intolerance. Since babies should not consume cow’s milk until they are at least one year old, the presence of these additives is particularly troubling. The study involved testing 102 samples of breast milk bought online, and while all contained human milk, 11 also had bovine DNA. Interestingly, 10 of these samples showed levels indicating more than just incidental contamination.
What Can Parents Do?
So, what can parents do if they want to provide breast milk for their baby? Dr. Emily Carter, who led the study, suggests that better lactation support for mothers could reduce the need for online purchases. She recommends that women struggling to produce milk should consult their pediatrician to explore safe feeding alternatives. Given the risks associated with contamination, buying breast milk online isn’t a safe option.
If you’re interested in learning more about supporting your breastfeeding journey, check out our post on Modern Family Blog. For those considering at-home insemination, visit Make A Mom for top-notch kits. Additionally, Kindbody is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination insights.
Conclusion
In summary, while online breast milk sharing may seem like a convenient solution, the risks of contamination and the presence of additives make it a questionable choice. Instead, seeking proper lactation support is a healthier option for both mothers and their babies.
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