Sending breast milk in the mail
Sending breast milk in the mail can be a convenient and cost-effective way for mothers to share their breast milk with their babies, especially in situations where they are unable to be physically present. However, it is important to follow proper guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe transportation and handling of breast milk.
Here are some tips and guidelines to consider:
- Check with the recipient: Before sending breast milk, make sure the recipient is aware of the shipment and has given their consent.
- Use airtight containers: Use airtight containers or bags to prevent leakage and contamination.
- Label the package: Clearly label the package as "Human Breast Milk" and include the recipient's name and address.
- Keep it cold: Keep the breast milk at a temperature of 39°F (4°C) or below during transportation. You can use insulated bags or containers with ice packs to keep it cool.
- Follow shipping regulations: Check with the shipping carrier (e.g. USPS, FedEx, UPS) for their regulations on shipping human breast milk. Some carriers may have specific requirements or restrictions.
- Use a shipping service that specializes in shipping breast milk: There are several shipping services that specialize in shipping breast milk, such as Milk Stork and The Breast Milk Bank. These services can provide guidance on proper packaging and shipping procedures.
- Consider using a breast milk shipping kit: Breast milk shipping kits are pre-packaged kits that include everything you need to safely ship breast milk, including a cooler, ice packs, and a shipping container.
Some popular shipping services for breast milk include:
- Milk Stork: A shipping service that specializes in shipping breast milk from mothers to babies.
- The Breast Milk Bank: A non-profit organization that collects, processes, and distributes breast milk to hospitals and families.
- The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA): A non-profit organization that provides guidance and resources for human milk banking.
It's important to note that shipping breast milk is a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. It's recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional or a shipping service that specializes in breast milk shipping to ensure that you are following proper guidelines and regulations.