Donate your breastmilk today!
California Human Milk Donation Month
We’re excited to share that May is now officially California Human Milk Donation Month—thanks to the leadership of Senators Dave Cortese and Aisha Wahab, who authored Senate Resolution 20, with the support of co-authors Senators Alvarado-Gil, Ashby, Blakespear, Caballero, Gonzalez, Hurtado, Limón, Pérez, Rubio, and Umberg.
This resolution was introduced to bring statewide recognition to the life-saving impact of donor human milk, especially for medically fragile and premature infants. It reflects a growing movement to raise awareness about milk donation and ensure that more families across California have access to this essential resource.
The resolution will be formally presented during a floor session at the State Capitol on May 1, 2025, marking a historic moment to raise awareness about the critical need for donor milk and encourage more individuals to step forward as prospective donors. As demand for donor milk continues to rise, this new designation signals California’s commitment to making human milk donation more visible, more accessible, and more widely understood.
Why This Matters
Every year, thousands of fragile babies in California rely on donor milk when their mother’s milk isn’t available.
The challenge
Demand is up 30%, but fewer than 2% of eligible California moms are donating—more help is urgently needed.
The mission
“Every drop counts,” says our CEO, Jennifer Benito-Kowalski. “Together, we can make sure every baby gets the support they need.”
Each year, thousands of babies in California are born too soon or with serious medical needs—circumstances that can make it difficult for them to receive their mother’s milk. When a parent’s own milk isn’t available, donor human milk is often the next best option, offering vital protection against life-threatening conditions like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), especially for fragile infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports this approach, stating that “pasteurized donor human milk is the preferred alternative when a mother’s own milk is not available,” particularly for premature or vulnerable infants (AAP Policy Statement, 2017).
Here’s the challenge: the demand for donor milk is growing. Mothers’ Milk Bank California has seen a 30% increase in requests over the past year. We now supply pasteurized donor milk to 60% of NICUs across the state, but fewer than 2% of eligible milk donors in California are currently donating.
We aim to raise awareness about milk donation and the life-saving impact it can have. Many people may not realize how their donation can make a difference,” said Jennifer Benito-Kowalski, CEO of Mothers’ Milk Bank California. “Every drop counts, and together, we can ensure that every baby gets the support they need.
Human milk banking plays a crucial role in supporting the health and development of vulnerable infants, particularly those born prematurely or with medical conditions that prevent breastfeeding. In California, nonprofit milk banks like Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMBCA) are at the forefront of this effort, providing screened, pasteurized donor milk to hospitals and families across the state.
We’re partnering with amazing organizations across the state to spread the word and celebrate milk donors. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
I am both honored and thrilled to be a milk donor for Mothers’ Milk Bank California. My decision to donate breast milk comes from a deeply personal experience. My son, Landon, was born prematurely due to preeclampsia and spent a month in the NICU. When I first found out I was pregnant, I imagined that I would breastfeed my baby right away. However, because Landon arrived early, I had to wait until he was ready to breastfeed. In the meantime, I began pumping, and to my surprise, I became an overproducer.
During Landon’s NICU stay, I felt incredibly fortunate to have an abundance of milk for my little preemie fighter. But I also witnessed other moms in the NICU struggling to provide milk for their preemie babies. The nurses caring for Landon even remarked on how amazing it was that I could produce so much, considering how premature babies can impact a mother’s milk supply.
It was during this time that I discovered Mothers’ Milk Bank California and learned how I could become a donor. I wanted to share the gift of my milk with other NICU babies and families in need. As a nurse, I understand just how crucial breast milk is for premature infants, and I knew this was a way I could help.
I am incredibly grateful to Mothers’ Milk Bank California for allowing me to become a donor. Being able to share the blessing of my milk with other NICU babies and their families has been an absolute privilege. Thank you for this opportunity to give back and make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable babies.
—Alyssa
If you’re interested in becoming a milk donor, we’d love to hear from you! All donors complete a medical screening process to ensure safety. Donated milk is carefully pasteurized before being distributed to hospitals and families who need it most.
Mothers who are considering donation can start the pre-qualification process here.
Even if you’re not able to donate, you can still make a big difference by spreading the word. Awareness saves lives—and every share helps.
Senator Dave Cortese introduces California’s first Human Milk Donation Month, calling for expanded donor support to help save medically fragile infants.
Mothers’ Milk Bank California shares its mission to provide safe donor human milk and raise awareness about supporting vulnerable infants across the state.
Get an exclusive look at our lab and milk processing operations.
A mother shares her story of how donor milk made a difference.
Meet the people who make our mission possible:
Tessa, Breast Milk Donor, Milk Warrior
Learn what inspires donors to share their gift of milk.
Laura, Breast Milk Donor, Milk Warrior
Learn what inspires donors to share their gift of milk.
Packed with helpful information about milk donation.
Kick Off the first California Milk Donation Month with Us!
📍 San Jose
🗓️ April 30, 2025
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
🎈 Family fun, treats, photo ops & more!
🍼 Bring your frozen milk to donate
👕 Wear your Milk Warrior tee with pride!
👉 RSVP Now
– space is limited!
