Mothers worldwide are sharing their breast milk with other mothers through the use of Facebook. According to its Facebook page, Human Milk 4 Human Babies Global Network is "dedicated to fostering community between local families who have chosen to share breastmilk."
In its website, the network is shown to have chapters all over the world, from Africa, Caribbean, Canada, United States, Mexico, South America, Asia, Australia and Europe. In the United States, places from Alabama to Wyoming have their individual Facebook pages where mothers can post breast milk offers or request for breast milk from willing mothers.
Increasing number of mums turning to Facebook for breast milk donations https://t.co/hzHZHjXxLj
— Kidspot (@KidspotSocial) July 13, 2016
A Community Of Mothers Sharing Breast Milk
"It's mums helping mums. It's a very supportive community out there," said breast milk donor Natalie McGrath, as per Daily Telegraph. McGrath is a mother of two from Australia and has reportedly donated around eight liters of her breast milk to four mothers through their local Human Milk 4 Human Babies Facebook group in Victoria.
One of the mothers who received breast milk from McGrath is Kim Pennell. Pennell has four children. Her youngest, two-week old Lucy, consumed the donated breast milk. Pennell had difficulty breastfeeding. Through the Facebook group, she received a total donation of 100 liters of breast milk from six mothers.
Health Risks From Shared Breast Milk
According to the Daily Telegraph, Australian Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Tim Vainoras called for caution in sharing breast milk. "The milk can be affected by a range of factors including lifestyle habits, such as drinking alcohol and smoking, personal hygiene, as well as correct storage and transportation." Vainoras added that the breast milk had no safety guarantees.
RMIT School of Health and Biomedical Sciences lactation consultant and lecturer Jennifer James said in an interview with ABC.net.au that sharing breast milk goes way back. "A woman might breastfeed her sister's child, if their sister became ill; a grandmother might re-lactate and feed her grandchild if the mother died. There are communities where women regularly breastfeed other women's children."
Are you open to sharing your breast milk through Human Milk 4 Human Babies? Write your comments below.
