Every year in the United States, about 1.4 percent of babies—some 50,000—are born with very low birth weights, that is, under 3.3 pounds. These babies are born with a high risk of complications, including death. Namely, they may develop a disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an inflammatory disease that kills the tissues of the intestines. One of the best ways to fight it is through receiving human milk exclusively. But, for a variety of reasons, many moms of very-low-birth-weight infants—as well as of plenty of other babies—can’t produce or provide milk, but they want or need to give it to their infants.
Donated breast milk is used by mothers who aren’t producing enough milk or can’t lactate at all, such as women who have had birth trauma, can’t or don’t want to lactate, or have certain medical conditions.
That’s where milk banking comes in. The nonprofit Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) was established in 1985 and is often the only source of donor milk that many hospitals are willing to use. These milk banks screen donors, test milk for bacteria, and pasteurize the donated breast milk, which they dispense by prescription only. The highest-priority recipients are preterm and ill hospitalized infants.
If you’re fortunate enough to have excess breast milk, you can help other new moms and babies by donating. If you’re wondering how to donate breast milk, begin by acknowledging the impact of your donation. Donated milk provides vital nourishment to premature infants and other babies in need.
Donated breast milk is used by mothers who aren’t producing enough milk or can’t lactate at all, such as women who have had birth trauma, can’t or don’t want to lactate, or have certain medical conditions. It’s also given to foster and adopted babies. Becoming a milk donor can be a deeply rewarding way to give back.
If you’ve decided to become a milk donor, here’s what you need to know about how to donate breast milk.
Breast milk donor criteria
First, see if you meet the criteria to become a breast milk donor. The number-one factor is your own baby: Is your baby being fed properly? If not, you aren’t a good candidate for milk donation. Milk donors need to make sure they’re producing more than enough for their own child before they can give to others.
Next, see if you can answer yes to the following questions:
- Are you in good general health?
- Are you willing to take a blood test?
- Are you willing to donate at least 100 ounces of milk (or 200 ounces if you’re a “shipping donor”)? Note that if you are a bereaved mother, milk banks accept donations of any size.
- Are you pumping for a baby under the age of one?
- Can you deliver or ship to the milk bank?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may be eligible to donate.
However, even if you meet the above criteria, the following conditions and lifestyle factors will make you ineligible. You cannot be a breast milk donor if:
- You have HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis
- You drink alcohol on a daily basis
- You use tobacco products or vape
- You consume marijuana or illegal drugs
- You visited the United Kingdom for more than three months from 1980 to 1996
- You lived in Europe for longer than five years from 1980 to 1996
Additionally, you need to be free from certain medications and vitamin supplements—including galactagogues. This is because most of the milk from milk banks goes to very fragile, hospitalized babies, who may be much more sensitive to a medication in the milk than a healthy, full-term newborn or an older baby would be. Talk to a representative at the milk bank to see which medications and supplements are banned from milk donation.
You’ll also want to refrigerate or freeze your milk within 30 minutes of pumping, and you can refrigerate your milk for up to 24 hours before freezing.
In general, breast milk donors are not allowed to take anything except ibuprofen, Tylenol, Zyrtec, Claritin, the mini pill, and prenatal vitamins.
Find a milk bank
The Mother’s Milk Bank of Austin is one of the largest HMBANA banks in the United States, with milk depots across the country. You can find your local milk bank—and depot—either by filling out a donor interest form online or by reviewing locations listed on HBANA’s website.
Get screened
Once you know you meet the general criteria, the next step in how to donate breast milk is to get screened by the milk bank. This usually involves an online application, followed by a phone screener.
Once you pass that stage, the milk bank will work with you to obtain your medical records as well as those of your baby. You’ll also need to have blood work done to rule out communicable diseases and to help “type” your donated milk. This is arranged by the milk bank at no cost to you. The screening process can take between one week and one month.
Check your freezer and storage process
As you continue to learn how to donate breast milk, the next step is checking your freezer. It will be very important for you to store your extra milk at the proper temperature. If not frozen properly, breast milk can spoil and become unusable. You’ll also want to refrigerate or freeze your milk within 30 minutes of pumping, and you can refrigerate your milk for up to 24 hours before freezing.
If you’re approved to donate, you’ll receive special instructions on how to collect and handle the milk.
Make sure your freezer is working consistently and meets the requirements to keep breast milk safely preserved. Some milk banks will also send you a thermometer and instructions for conducting a “freezer test.” This will ensure that your freezer is cold enough to store the milk you plan to donate.
Gather pumping equipment and storage bags
Now it’s time to gather equipment. As a new mom, you should have a breast pump and storage bags anyway. After all, pumping and storing milk is a great way to supplement your own breastfeeding, even if you aren’t able to donate.
If you don’t have a breast pump, some insurance companies will cover the cost. You may also be eligible to receive a free pump from your healthcare provider, a pregnancy center, or other community resources for new mothers. You should also note that although you are not paid to donate, you can deduct mileage you incur in your volunteer efforts as well as the cost of your breast pump from your taxes.
The milk bank will also give you instructions on the proper way to label each bag. This method will help the milk bank process your donation; as a bonus, you can use their labeling system for your own milk supply to ensure you always know which milk is the freshest.
If you’re approved to donate, you’ll receive special instructions on how to collect and handle the milk, including instructions on hand washing, cleansing of the breasts and nipples, and sterilization of breast pumps and equipment.
Begin donating
After you’ve met the donor criteria, passed the screening process, checked your freezer, and gathered your supplies, it’s time to actually begin donating breast milk.
Your milk bank will provide a “delivery schedule” for you to follow. Depending on your arrangement, you can begin by donating already-frozen milk or starting to pump excess breast milk just for the milk bank. Then, you’ll either drop off the milk in person or ship it in special containers provided by the milk bank.
By learning how to donate breast milk, you can help other new moms and babies in need. Congrats, mama, on a job well done!
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