CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Buying Breast Milk Online? a Study Shows Increased Bacteria Risks

save article
profile picture of Sona Charaipotra
Updated January 30, 2017
Hero Image
Image: AU Women's Center

With all the effort that goes into breastfeeding and especially pumping, every new mama knows she’s not about to let a single drop go to waste. After all, breastfeeding for baby’s first year can protect baby from infections and diseases, and reduce SIDS, diabetes and obesity risks.

That’s why mother’s milk has frequently been dubbed “liquid gold.” But not every mom can breastfeed. That’s why, these days,  online sites catering to new moms are selling the stuff for up to $1,200 for a month’s supply. (And in the strange-but-true category, one New York City restaurateur was banned from serving breast milk cheese in his joint a few years ago!) Given the fact that not every mom can breastfeed — whether due to low supply or other issues — these milk banks can be lifesavers, especially for preemies who may not be able to handle formula.

But according a new study in the November issue of the journal of Pediatrics, 64 percent of milk samples obtained from a particular online commercial milk sales site was colonized by staphylococcous bacteria, as opposed to 25 percent of donated milk from a state-registered milk bank. And three of the 102 samples used in the study were also contaminated with Salmonella.

What does that mean for you and for baby? Beware the bacteria. The research suggests that these online sites selling breast milk could have poor quality control in the way milk is collected, preserved and shipped — which translates to higher contamination risk. That puts infants consuming this breast milk — especially preemies, whose immune systems may already be compromised — at a greater risk for sickness.

So, when it comes down to deciding whether or not you should buy breast milk online, Dr. Keim, faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, noted, “Major milk-sharing websites post a lot of guidance about milk collection, storage, shipping and provider screening. However, results from this study showed sellers do not often follow this advice because hygiene and shipping practices were often compromised. Based on our research, it is not safe to buy breast milk online, and the Food and Drug Administration recommends against sharing milk obtained in that way. Recipients are not able to determine for sure if the milk has been tampered with, or contains harmful drugs or pharmaceuticals, or if the information the provider supplied about their health was truthful.”

Did you buy breast milk online?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

young woman pouring a glass of red wine in kitchen at home
Breastfeeding & Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
closeup of baby breastfeeding
Are There Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
Cluster Feeding: Everything You Need to Know
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
tb-best-nursing-clothes-hero
Where to Shop for the Best Nursing Tops and Dresses
By Martina Garvey
black mother breastfeeding baby at home
Black Women on Finding Joy in Breastfeeding
By Ashley Simpo
Mom Responds After Video Shaming Her for Breastfeeding Goes Viral
Mom Responds After Video Shaming Her for Breastfeeding Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
smiling mother breastfeeding baby at home
Top 13 Benefits of Breastfeeding
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mother breastfeeding baby while working
Over 15,000 Breastfeeding Moms Share Their Motivations and Challenges
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding baby while browsing on laptop
Can't-Miss Sales in Celebration of National Breastfeeding Month
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding baby on bed at home
World Breastfeeding Week 2023: How You Can Help Working Parents
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Georgia Mom Asked to Stop Breastfeeding Her Baby by Water Park Staff
Georgia Mom Asked to Stop Breastfeeding Her Baby by Water Park Staff
By Wyndi Kappes
mother breastfeeding newborn baby
What Is a Milk Bleb or Blister?
By Korin Miller
mother feeing bottle to baby
Can You Mix Breast Milk and Formula?
By Colleen De Bellefonds
ADVERTISEMENT
Mother baby mastitis breast pain while breastfeeding
Here’s How to Stop Mastitis From Making Breastfeeding Unbearable
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mom struggling to breastfeed her baby
Breast Engorgement: What It Is and How to Find Relief
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
a mother breast pumping milk while sitting on bed at home
Why You Might Consider Power Pumping (and How to Do It)
By Samantha Vincenty
Best Nursing Pillows-hero
Our Favorite Nursing Pillows (Plus How to Use One)
By Kathleen Harris
ADVERTISEMENT
mom holding baby while drinking coffee in kitchen
Can You Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding?
By Natalie Gontcharova
Breast Milk Storage Bags
The 9 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags to Preserve Your Liquid Gold
By Danielle Halibey
breast milk bags and bottles with breast pump on wooden table
The Dos and Don’ts of Breast Milk Storage
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List