MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After Abbot Labs was forced to halt baby formula production by the FDA in February because of unsanitary conditions, the company reached an agreement with the FDA to reopen its baby formula plant and resume production. But it could be weeks before new products are shipped to local stores.
Mothers are desperate, and they need milk for their babies now. Many are turning to other women's breastmilk.
Laney McDermott has a one-year-old who is still breastfeeding. She says she overproduces breastmilk and has more than enough to help other moms.
"[I will pump] as much as I can pump, if that's enough for 10 babies I hope to feed 10 babies," McDermott said. "There are several other moms like me who are just as eager to make sure their babies are being fed."
Laney is donating milk to families in Tipton and Shelby County. She starts each family off with about 50 ounces of breast milk -- which can last about two days.
Most cities or counties have milk banks, but milk banks are often used for families who have infants with medical needs.
Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women Pediatrician, Christian Nunez, said if you are going to get breastmilk from a stranger you need to know the medications they are taking and their medical condition.
So, before you turn to social media or craigslist for donor milk, here is a list of safe donor breastmilk sites.
Only The Breast allows you to browse ads to find breast milk or sell and donate breast milk. This site even allows you to hire a wet nurse. If you decide to purchase or sell breast milk through the Only The Breast site Breast Milk, you will need to complete donor screening.
You can apply to donate milk through Mothers Milk Cooperative. There are a few requirements that come with donating breastmilk to the MMC.
- You must pass prequalification
- Once you pass, they will walk you through the process
- There is a waitlist for applications
- If you’re currently nursing a baby, you must wait until that baby is 3 months old before donating to other families
Breastfeeding Moms Unite is one of the biggest breastmilk markets places in the world. Donors and sellers are put in direct contact with the people who want breastmilk.
Donors can choose the price per ounce that they wish to sell their milk. Keep in mind that these women are pumping milk and then storing it in baggies to make sure it stays fresh. You’ll see breast milk sold anywhere from $1 to $2.50.
If you decide to go through social media to get breastmilk, doctors advise that you ask possible donors what medications they take and ask them to disclose their medical history, as well as any medical conditions.
If you are a mother who needs formula right away, here is a list of local grocery stores in Memphis that have formula as of Tuesday morning.
- Superlo Foods - 4744 Spottswood Ave, Memphis, TN 38117
- Superlo Foods - 2155 Covington Pike, Memphis, TN 38128
- Stepherson's - 3942 Macon Rd, Memphis, TN 38122
- Cash Saver - 3237 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38118