Below you will find instructions on how to collect, ship, and package samples for Mommy’s Milk: Human Milk Research Biorepository. Since 2019, we have been instrumental in identifying exposures in human milk and helping to understand if there is a risk to child health and development. Our team is devoted to the science of human milk.
These instructional videos are designed to make it easier for parents to participate in our studies. Please see our how-to videos covering:
- Sample Collection
- Package Samples for FedEx
- Complete DocUSign
As well as our self-service Frequently Asked Questions written so current participants can get answers to their questions easily online. We hope these resources for study participants help answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Exposure Interview? This is a phone call with our team just after you self-collect your breast milk and/or other biological samples. During the Exposure Interview, we will ask for information about your demographics (your age, race, and ethnicity), your health history (medical conditions, exercise, and sleep), and your medication and lifestyle habits, which includes exposure to vitamins, supplements, prescription medications, over the counter medications, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug, etc. We also ask about your child’s health, birth measurements, APGAR scores at birth from 1 and 5 minutes, breastfeeding patterns, and any adverse reactions they may have experienced. 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.
What are APGAR scores? The Apgar score 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 with 1) color, 2) heart rate, 3) reflexes, 4) muscle tone, and 5) respiration. You should be able to find them in you or your child’s discharge paperwork (sometimes this is also located in the pediatric follow up appointment paperwork).
How do I collect samples? Please refer to the paper instructions included in your package or see our video below on how to collect your sample.
Video | Mom Milk Sample
Watch the Mom Milk Sample video to learn how to collect and package a milk sample for research.
How do I package samples to ship back? The following video will help with packaging for your return shipment. Depending on the study you are participating in, you will have one or two prepaid return envelopes. The two prepaid envelopes are identical. You will place milk and two ice packs in one and the remaining samples with the remaining ice packs in the other prepaid return envelope. Using these steps, will help ensure the research items needed will reach the Mommy’s Milk team in optimal conditions for research.
Video | Milk Sample Storage, Packing, and Shipping
In this video, you will learn how to properly package your milk sample for shipping.
How do I complete the DocUSign? Please sign your consent forms before your scheduled interview. In this video below, you will learn how to complete the electronic paperwork to participate in a Mommy’s Milk study.
Video | How to Sign a DocuSign Consent Form
In this video, learn how to complete the electronic paperwork.
Thank you for participating with us!
We hope these FAQs and resources for study participants have helped make your participation easy! If you still have questions, our study team is happy to help. Please contact us at 844.605.MILK(6455) or milkstudy@health.ucsd.edu.
