Infant Formula Recall & Rising Demand Fuel Increase in Breast Milk Sharing – But Is It Safe?
November 29, 2025 – A recent outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart infant formula has prompted a nationwide recall and simultaneously driven a surge in mothers sharing breast milk, raising concerns about safety protocols.As of today, the case count has grown to 15 babies across 12 states hospitalized with the illness, though no deaths have been reported. The recalled formula includes all batches produced by the company. This situation is amplifying an existing trend of families seeking alternatives to commercially produced formula, often turning to informal milk-sharing networks.
The high cost and limited insurance coverage of donor milk banks – which charge approximately $4.50 per ounce - are significant barriers for many families. Formal milk banks often prioritize infants in neonatal intensive care units or those with specific medical needs, leaving others to explore choice sources.
This has led to increased activity in social media groups and donor boards, where large quantities of breast milk are frequently offered due to donors lacking sufficient freezer space. These platforms frequently enough feature photos of labeled milk bags and handwritten date signs, used as a deterrent against fraudulent postings.
Experts emphasize the importance of caution when sourcing milk outside of regulated banks. Dr. Aylin Demirci, a researcher specializing in human milk, recommends several key safety measures for those considering milk sharing thru platforms like Human Milk 4 Human Babies or Eats on Feets, or from friends and family.
“Don’t ever pay for milk or shipping,” Demirci advises. “Ask about safe collection and storage practices. Review the donor’s health and medication history. I woudl ask for as much complete details on their medical history and medications background as I could get, and if the donor is willing to share their prenatal records or something concrete, that would be like the ultimate if you could have that sort of confirmation that what they’re saying is true.”
Demirci also suggests meeting donors in person, if possible, to assess their trustworthiness. “As a parent, you develop a pretty good barometer of seeing somebody in person. Maybe [the donor will] bring the baby along with them. … If anything seems off, I don’t think I would give that milk to my baby, even if everything else checked out.”
She further recommends a “smell test,” noting her ability to detect alcohol in her own milk after consumption, and advises starting with a small amount to monitor the baby’s reaction.
While resources tailored for parents are limited – most guidance is directed towards medical professionals – Demirci encourages families to seek reliable information.
For many, breast milk sharing offers a deeply rewarding experience. “It can be very painful to end up throwing away all of your hard work,” Demirci said. “Donation feels really good. I’ve heard people say that not only were they able to breastfeed their own child, but also feed another child. They see that baby grow up and see their milk help two babies thrive and develop. And that’s a really powerful thing.”
