A journalist, residing in Somerset, was deeply moved when she provided some of her breast milk to a buyer after examining the expanding market for such transactions. Alev Scott delved into this subject following the surplus milk she produced postpartum. Her exploration led her to an online platform where mothers can sell their excess breast milk, prompting her to question her feelings about this practice.
In the UK, while mothers can donate milk to hospital milk banks, the stringent processes involved in screening and acceptance led Alev to look into alternative options. To delve further into the matter, she created a seller profile on ONLYTHEBREAST.com, a platform facilitating the purchase, sale, or donation of breast milk in the UK and US.
Breast milk, classified as a food product, holds a unique status, making its commercial sale legal but not regulated by authorities like the UK Food Standards Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration. Prices for breast milk vary based on factors like freshness, seller’s diet, and age, with a liter fetching between £30 and £50.
Amid her investigation, Alev discovered that while some buyers were parents seeking milk unavailable through official channels, the majority were unexpectedly men. Breast milk has gained traction in the wellness sector for its perceived health benefits, with some adults viewing it as a valuable commodity beyond infant nourishment.
Despite claims about the health advantages of breast milk for adults, scientific evidence supporting these assertions remains scarce. Alev, who initially had no intention to profit from selling her milk, eventually provided some to a buyer named Steve, a 60-year-old lorry driver who believed breast milk alleviated his severe IBS symptoms.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of parting with her child’s milk, Alev emphasized the necessity for more oversight in the unregulated breast milk trade. She stressed the importance of addressing the lack of regulation in this market to effectuate necessary changes.
Alev’s book, “Cash Cow: How the Maternal Body Became a Global Commodity – and the Hidden Costs for Women,” is now available for purchase, shedding light on the complexities of this industry.