How to donate breast milk

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.

Watch what you drink and the medications you take

You can still have your coffee or tea but keep caffeine under 300 mg per day. Check with your healthcare provider before taking any medications, vitamins, or supplements. Call the Infant Risk Center at (806) 352-2519 to know if medications are safe for your breast milk. Check out the National Library of Medicine's Drugs and Lactation Database to check the effects of medications on breastfeeding.

While you're breastfeeding, it’s important to care for yourself, especially now that you’re caring for a baby. Eating fresh, balanced meals and staying hydrated gives you the energy you need. Always talk to your doctor and check with the Infant Risk Center (806) 352-2519 about any medications. Call a Pacify Lactation Consultant if you have more questions!

How to donate breast milk

More fiber, please!

Choose fresh foods

Good fats are your friends

Stay hydrated

Watch what you drink and the medications you take

1. How much colostrum do babies need?

2. When does breast milk come in?

3. Does breastfeeding hurt?

4. How long should I breastfeed?

5. Do I wake my baby for feedings?

6. Which medicines are safe while breastfeeding?

7. How do I get my baby to latch?

8. When does my period come back after having a baby?

9. How do I balance milk supply in both breasts?

10. Can I breastfeed while sick?

11. Do I need a breast pump?

12. Can I breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples?

13. What if I need urgent help with breastfeeding?