Breast milk donation is a cherished and unique gift that only a mother can give. Prolacta’s donor screening guidelines are stringent and one of the first of many critical safety steps involved in milk processing.
If you are interested in applying to become a donor, find a milk bank near you to begin the application process. The following are guidelines that may determine whether you qualify as a donor.
IF |
| » You are generally healthy |
| » You do not take medication on a regular basis |
| » Your baby is doing well |
| » You do not smoke |
| » You do not drink |
| » Your home freezer reaches an approved temperature |
THEN you are LIKELY to qualify as a donor.
Call your local milk bank for an appointment. |
|
IF |
| » You have had a major illness in the last 12 months |
| » You have heart disease or high blood pressure |
| » You have had vaccinations or shots in the last 12 months |
| » You have had major surgery in the last 12 months |
| » You have taken certain medications in the past 1-3 years |
| » You take any medication (e.g. birth control pills, allergy medication) for longer than 2 weeks |
| » You lived in Europe for a total of 6 months or more between 1980-1996 |
| » You have had recent significant weight loss |
| » You drink coffee, caffeinated beverages, or alcohol in moderation |
| » You received blood or blood products longer than 12 months ago |
THEN you MIGHT STILL qualify as a donor.
Call your local milk bank for an appointment. |
|
IF |
| » You have ever been infected with HIV, TB or a venereal disease within the last 12 months |
| » You are diabetic requiring insulin injections |
| » You have ever received human pituitary growth hormone or a dura mater transplant |
| » You have a history of cancer |
| » You have a family history or increased risk for Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (Mad Cow disease) |
| » You have ever injected drugs intravenously |
| » You have ever had intimate contact with anyone at risk for HIV, HTLV or infectious hepatitis |
| » You smoke, use any tobacco product or a nicotine patch |
| » You take any herbal preparation, teas or supplements for longer than 2 weeks |
| » Your baby is not gaining weight or growing as well as expected |
THEN you DO NOT qualify as a donor.
Call your health care professional to discuss breastfeeding your own baby. |
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