Question: Is it safe for my baby to drink expressed breast milk from other mums?

Answer: Unless you can absolutely guarantee the sterility of the supply (and remember, people often do not show any symptoms of infection), and the supply is from a mum with a baby of similar age to yours, formula milk would be a safer and more appropriate option.

Donated milk can carry viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, and HIV, which can be passed on to Baby. Also, breast milk is age-specific. It alters in constituency according to the baby’s age and maturity. (Isn’t that amazing?)

Breast milk banks are used throughout the world for high-risk babies in intensive care units, in which there is a clear benefit to receiving breast milk rather than formula milk. But the supply is stringently screened for infection prior to use.

Ideally, the best solution is to try to boost your own milk supply, so you can continue to feed your baby for many more months to come. Read the November 2009 issue of Young Parents for tips.