Donating breast milk is a powerful way to support babies who need it most. For parents with more milk than their baby requires, these donations provide life-saving nourishment for premature infants, medically fragile babies, and families who struggle to produce enough milk.
Why donate breast milk
Breast milk contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support a baby’s growth and protect against illness. For premature and medically fragile infants, human milk can be life-saving. Donated breast milk is often used in neonatal intensive care units and for babies whose mothers cannot breastfeed due to health conditions, low milk supply, or certain medications.
By donating breast milk, you are helping give babies the healthiest start possible.
Step 1: Learn the eligibility requirements
Milk banks and donation programs have specific guidelines to make sure the milk is safe for babies. While requirements may vary, most programs ask that donors:
- Be in good overall health
- Not smoke, use recreational drugs, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- Limit caffeine intake
- Avoid certain medications or herbal supplements that may not be safe for infants
- Have milk stored in clean, food-grade containers
Most milk banks will review your health history, ask for a blood test to screen for infectious diseases, and provide detailed storage and handling instructions.
Step 2: Find a milk bank or donation program
You can find donation options through:
- Nonprofit milk banks affiliated with organizations such as the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)
- Hospital-based programs that collect and distribute milk to NICUs
- Community-based milk sharing networks (note: these often involve private arrangements and may not have formal screening processes)
If you want your milk to go to hospitalized or medically fragile babies, a nonprofit milk bank is often the best choice.
Step 3: Complete the screening process
Most milk banks follow a similar process:
- Fill out a health questionnaire about your medical history, lifestyle, and medications
- Provide a blood sample for screening
- Review and sign consent forms
Once you are approved, you will receive guidelines on how to pump, store, and label your milk for donation.
Step 4: Pump, store, and deliver your milk
When donating, it is important to follow safe handling practices. This typically includes:
- Washing your hands before pumping
- Using clean and sterilized pumping equipment
- Freezing milk as soon as possible after pumping
- Labeling containers with the date the milk was expressed
Milk can be dropped off at a donation site or shipped to a milk bank in insulated packaging. Many programs provide prepaid shipping kits.
Step 5: Feel good about the impact
Every ounce of donated breast milk can help nourish a baby who truly needs it. Knowing your milk may be used to feed a premature infant in the NICU or a baby recovering from illness is an incredible gift.
