Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate frozen milk?
Unfortunately, we are only accepting fresh milk samples at this time.

What is a biorepository?
A biorepository is a facility that collects, processes, stores, and distributes biological samples for research purposes. These samples are often linked with medical or demographic data. Biorepositories help researchers access high-quality specimens to advance knowledge and develop new treatments.

Are my samples used immediately?
Not always. As a biorepository, we store and bank the samples so that they are preserved and ready for future use. A researcher can then request access to the sample for their specific study or analysis.

How will I know when my sample is used?
If your sample is used in a study, you will receive an email notification with a brief summary of the study and a link to the published research once the study has been completed.

Do I get personalized results?

We are unable to give you personalized results from your milk sample. Researchers study samples and information from many people over many years before they know what the results mean. We also will not give study results to your healthcare provider, and we will not put them in your medical record.

Will I be asked to take a medication for the study?
No. We conduct only observational studies, which means we do not ask you to take any medications. Our participants follow their normal healthcare routine. 

What if I have questions about the medications I’m taking while breastfeeding?
If you have any questions about any exposures during lactation, please contact our partner organization MotherToBaby, who offers a free information service for pre-conception, pregnant, and lactating individuals. Another great resource is LactRx by MotherToBaby, a free app that provides up-to-date information on the use of medications, vaccines, and more while breastfeeding.

What are APGAR scores?
An APGAR score is given to your baby at birth. It acts as a rapid health check to ensure a smooth transition for the newborn into the world. This would have happened by visual assessment from your Labor and Delivery Nurse. The total score ranges from 0-10. The higher the score, the better the baby was doing in terms of his/her 1) color, 2) heart rate, 3) reflexes, 4) muscle tone, and 5) respiration. If you have a health chart app like MyChart, KP, FollowMyHealth, etc., you should be able to locate this information from your discharge paperwork or your pediatric follow-up visit.

Do I have to release medical records?
Releasing your and your child’s medical records to the study is optional. We ask for you to release these records because they help us look at your health and your child’s health in comparison to your milk sample. They also help fill any gaps about your or your child’s health history that you might not have recalled during our phone interview.

Does the study cost anything to participate?
No, participation in our studies is completely free. We provide all necessary materials for the collection of milk samples and cover any associated costs (e.g., shipping costs to return the sample to the office).

How do I collect and ship samples?

The team will send instructions on how to collect your sample in your collection kit. Your interviewer will schedule a time for your sample to be picked up from your home. For more information, you can watch our Milk Sample Collection video located on our Info for Current Participants page.

Is there compensation for participating?
Some of our studies offer compensation and others do not. After you submit your interest form, a staff member will ask you some questions to determine the study(ies) for which you may qualify. They will let you know about compensation at that time. The most common compensation is a $15-$25 Target gift card. 

What data do researchers receive about me?

Researchers receive de-identified data; your personal information is removed and replaced with a unique ID number. In addition, researchers will only receive access to the data that is necessary to complete their specific project aims; they do not receive access to the entire dataset.

Do I need to live in San Diego to participate?
No, we enroll lactating women from the U.S. and Canada in our studies. Each study has specific enrollment criteria, and a staff member will screen you to determine the study(ies) for which you may qualify. 

Can I come into your office to participate in person?
Yes, for local participants we allow the option of pumping in person at our medical office using a hospital grade pump.

Where is your office located?
We are located in Kearny Mesa at 7910 Frost Street, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92123.