Tuesday, March 15th 2011
Response to "Milk sharing: Boon or biohazard," published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal
CMAJ: Milk Sharing: Boon or Biohazard?
By Maria Armstrong, Founder of Eats on Feets
Dear Lauren,
Please allow me to post some corrections.
Routine prenatal testing is inconclusive when it comes to safe milk sharing. It does not address every disease milk is typically screened for, and testing is primarily done at the beginning of pregnancy. Many opt out of HIV screening. Both HMBANA and UKAMB recommend testing every 3-6 months for HIV, HTLV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis and Rubella. These guidelines are followed by most milk banks.
Bio
Maria Armstrong is the mother of 4 and a doula serving the Portland, OR Metro Area and Vancouver, WA. Maria has a keen eye for research, a strong affinity for personal agency as well as autonomy, and is a strong advocate for families wherever she finds herself.