Breast milk ice cream? What about the Milk Banks?

An ice cream parlour in the heart of Covent Garden, London, has just launched its latest ice cream called “Baby Gaga” made from breast milk. Whilst Milk Banks around the country, and the world, are begging for breast milk donations 15 women have already signed up to be part of this bizarre gastronomic creation.

Milk banks rely solely on donations from women who have been blessed with over-supply. Breast milk is vital for premature and sick babies who cannot tolerate man-made alternatives. Some mothers are too ill or too stressed to provide milk for their sick or premature babies have to rely on breast milk donations and without it they would not survive.

Reactions to the launch of this new ice cream have ranged from disgust to intrigue. Some argue that breast milk is a better choice for humans to consume versus cow’s milk and even go on to suggest that those who are lactose intolerant would be able to enjoy this new “product”.

The ice cream parlour is paying women to give their breast milk to make ice cream for healthy adults to enjoy as a quirky snack. This precious commodity is now going into the bodies of adults and not to those who need it.

Personally I don’t care about how it tastes or how healthy it is, the gross factor lies in the fact that women, who have an abundance of breast milk, and are capable of donating in order to save a baby’s life are now faced with the dilema of pumping for charity or pumping for cash.

20 thoughts on “Breast milk ice cream? What about the Milk Banks?

  1. res-judicata

    Completely agree with you here. The idea of whether or not its “gastronomically” disgusting is to me a non sequitur. The bigger point is that women are taking something in dire need and putting it up for hire.

    Reply
    1. Anonymous

      Thank you. Yes, I feel the same.

      Reply
  2. Karrie Hansen

    Hmmm, that is all i have to say. i too think its very selfish that those that can donate are no longer doing so cause this ice cream shop is now paying for BM. Very selfish indeed.

    Reply
    1. Anonymous

      I hate the way that ice cream parlour is enticing women to sell their breast milk. If there was no cash reward I am sure they would be donating it to a much worthier cause.

      Reply
  3. BirthRoutes

    I think this is odd, not something I’d do. BUT if it can somehow help normalize breast milk and thus breastfeeding, perhaps it might do some good.

    As a vegan, I’d much rather consume a milk product from someone who willing gave it away (or sold it, I mean, it is her body).

    Interesting to think about.

    Reply
    1. Anonymous

      Interesting point you raised about the potential of normalising breast milk and breastfeeding. I am not sure if it will do that – The ice cream parlour is relying on the “quirkiness” and sensation of the product to drive traffic and make them stand out – its pure marketing at its best.

      If anything they are making breast milk into a luxury food for adults which is not its intended purpose at all.

      Reply
  4. LeahSylina

    I agree completely with what res-judicata said. I can’t imagine making a choice to give bm to ice cream parlor for money when it could go to babies who desperately need it instead!

    Reply
    1. Anonymous

      I feel it was a (successful) marketing ploy but I do hope that, now that it has been stopped, that rules and regulations are put in place to make this illegal.

      Reply
  5. Sini

    I agree, it’s gross. I guess the money is too important, so some womens choose to give it away for the restaurants than donating it for better cause.

    Reply
    1. Anonymous

      The world has gone mad.

      Reply
  6. Sandoutlaws

    Why well just why poor babies that are in need……ugghhhh

    Reply
    1. Anonymous

      I know, it breaks my heart thinking of the babies in NICU who desperately need the gift of breastmilk

      Reply
  7. Ummzakaria

    I think that this is absolutely outrageous. What outrages me more is the cash award for it. Not only could the milk be going to babies but surely some mothers are going to continue pumping just for the cash. Just wrong.

    Reply
    1. Anonymous

      I guess some mothers may continue to breastfeed longer than they anticipated as there would be a cash reward but I don’t feel that is enough to justify what they are doing.

      I found out that they get £15 for 10 ounces which is actually not much considering the effort it takes to make that much extra BUT still I find it outrageous!

      You are right – it is just plain wrong.

      Reply
  8. Imogen @ Alternative Mama

    In the UK you cannot donate to milk banks when your baby is over 6 months old. They won’t accept the donation. Maybe these ladies have older babies, and don’t know about HM4HB/EoF.

    To be honest, I think it’s their breast milk; therefore its up to them what they do with it. And this may go some way to normalising breastmilk which is a great thing for the health of future babies 🙂

    Reply
    1. mummyinprovence Post author

      Thanks for the insight on milk donation in the UK. I had no idea that you couldn’t donate after 6 months. I don’t think that’s the case in France. I think it’s up to 12m.

      I am sure there is a better use for it than ice cream and I’d like there to be an alternative for them. I don’t really see how it normalises breastmilk as it’s being used to make something controversial and for adults – it’s adding a cool/repulsive thing to it which personally, I feel, is counter-productive.

      Appreciate your input! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
      1. Imogen @ Alternative Mama

        Yeah, I do see your point. The shop is selling it for shock value. However, it’s getting a lot of people talking and examining their own prejudices, and asking themselves why they think it’s okay to drink the processed milk of a different species but that they don’t feel ok about consuming human milk.

        You’re right though, the milk would be much better off donated to someone through HM4HB.

        Reply
  9. Fee

    I heard this week that the ice cream parlour had been shut down (possibly temporarily) because of the breast milk scandal. Have you heard anything?

    Reply
    1. mummyinprovence Post author

      I heard that they stopped them from selling the Baby Gaga ice cream but not heard anything since! Will keep you posted!

      Reply

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