What happens when a mom can't provide breast milk to her baby? A non-profit milk bank helps to provide breast milk to babies who are in need. There are more than 25 non-profit milk banks that are open in the United States and Canada, and they help thousands of infants survive and thrive.
Who can use a milk bank?
Surplus breast milk is often prescribed by doctors and can be provided to:
- Premature babies who are in the hospital. Donated milk often goes to babies born prematurely. Many studies have shown that breast milk is one of the best defenses against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a very serious intestinal inflammation that can lead to poor long-term outcomes for babies. Breast milk decreases the risk of NEC by up to 80%, making it very important for premature infants to have access to breast milk. Some mothers of very premature babies cannot produce breast milk for their child, so at this time, more than 40% of neonatal intensive care units use donor milk, which is a life-saving alternative.
- Babies who are at home and have health issues. This includes babies with short gut syndrome, malabsorption disorders, cardiac problems, allergies, immunological issues, or who need breast milk for postsurgical nutrition because they are not gaining weight.
- Well babies. In some parts of the country, it’s common to give healthy babies donated breast milk if the mother is unable to breastfeed or if she has other health issues.
Yes, after breast milk is donated to milk banks around the United States, it is then pasteurized and tested. Denise O’Connor, the Executive Director of Three Rivers Mothers’ Milk Bank in Pittsburgh, PA, says, “Most milk banks are transparent. At Three Rivers, we have an open door policy. If your baby is prescribed donor milk, you can see how we process the milk. We have windows in our labs, and we invite parents to look at how the milk is prepared. If your baby has challenges, and you want them to have donated breast milk, then we want you be comfortable with your decision.”
I’d like to be a donor!
If you are a healthy, non-smoking breastfeeding mom who is already meeting her own baby's needs, you can donate your milk to a bank. Donors are not paid, but the milk bank will likely cover the cost of transporting the milk to the bank if there is not a location nearby.
Since donor breast milk supports medically fragile children, donors must follow strict rules. For example, they cannot be on certain medications or use herbal supplements. (While many moms can safely use medication and supplements, banked breast milk must be carefully screened to protect infants.)
The screening process includes an interview, blood draw, and sometimes, medical statements supplied by your health care providers. You must be willing to donate a certain amount of breast milk since most nonprofit milk banks cover the considerable expense of screening and testing.
How do I use a milk bank?
At this time, there are 25 non-profit milk banks that are open in the United States and Canada, with several others getting ready to open their doors. If a doctor has prescribed breast milk for your infant who is in the hospital, the milk is usually paid for by the hospital. If you would like your child to receive breast milk on an outpatient basis, then you'll likely be covering the cost, although some milk banks will help you submit insurance claims. You can contact your local milk bank for more information. The Human Milk Banking Association of North America has locations listed on its website and can provide assistance.
