Quote:
Originally Posted by KathyM
I would have more faith in the product if the breast milk were stored in a hospital/medical "bank" under the same rules/policies as storing human blood. If a patient were in need of it in ice cream form, it wouldn't be so far-fetched to hand out some sort of recipe to make it a frozen "treat."
I wouldn't trust a chain like Starbucks or McDonalds to hand out blood to my loved ones in need - same goes for breast milk. I would not want to have to purchase breast milk at the local street fair or ice cream stand - or buy it from strangers over the internet. 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by purple_fins
I think it should be banned to the general public-- 
I've read HIV can be transmitted through breastmilk, and what about some STDs?? are they 100% sure that breastmilk won't carry those? and what if the contributor is a heroine addict, or meth addict--
How can one know what one is REALLY consuming???
at least cows don't snort cocaine, or shoot up heroine or spread sphyilis or gonorrhea..... breast milk ice cream???
You won't find me having any of it!
humans are not as innocent/pure creatures as animals are............. blah.... |
Good points. Let me play devils advocate for a moment though?
My point is if this is done correctly and properly screened, whats the issue? And yes, breastmilk does carry SOME diseases, though you would probably be surprised at how few - hence why even mothers who have some diseases can still safely breastfeed.
Another question - do you also think that blood products of all kind should be banned from the public at all? Or, perhaps I am misunderstanding you here. Can you clarify what you mean by "public" - do you mean not anyone for consumption, or do you mean it shouldd only be done in a medical setting at all times? I think I actually agree with you on most of your points I am just not sure if i do for sure, because need clarification on that. Dont mind me, its been a long day and my brain is sort of weeeee all over the place rofl.
And where is the line drawn at when you stop screening or how much screening should be done? Should all the milk be tested, should the women be tested once and at regular intervals, freezing the milk until such time as they are proven to be free and clear, or should it just be a matter of warning those who choose to imbibe it that they do so at their own risk?
Even with donating blood, the screening process almost always works, and now a days, it is almost 100% effective. Now years ago, it was different - we didnt have tests for some diseases, or things slipped through. So its a possibility yes, but I know if i had terminal illness, and thought that the milk might help me, I would go for it. Providing that the women were screened at regular intervals.
I am also almost SURE that this would be something the FDA is carefully watching and screening as well. Foods cannot be approved until they are proven to be safe, though I will admit some of the chemicals used in food do not strike me as being safe
Really though, I think it should be set up much like some of the medical marijuana "shops" - where it is open to the public, but only those with a legitamite need for it, much like a prescription. That is how most of the milk banks around the country work - usually if it is for an infant who requires it the doctor will set it up and the parents pay for it, or not depending on their coverages.
Please dont think im being cantankerous, im not finny. Im actually interested and trying to figure out your position a little clearer.