By Mothers’ Milk Bank California and University of California Health Milk Bank
Every May, we pause to recognize something extraordinary: the quiet, powerful act of human milk donation—and the thousands of families, clinicians, and donors who make it possible.
As we kick off the Second Annual California Human Milk Donation Month, we do so together—with a shared purpose and a shared responsibility—to ensure that every baby who needs donor human milk has access to it.
Looking Back: A Year of Progress for California’s Babies
Over the past year, California has made meaningful strides in advancing access to donor human milk.
Across the state:
- More hospitals than ever are integrating donor milk into neonatal and postpartum care
- Awareness of donor milk as a standard of care—especially for premature and medically fragile infants—continues to grow
- Policy and system changes are helping remove barriers to access
Today, donor human milk is no longer an alternative—it is a standard of care in most neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The majority of NICUs across the country now use donor milk when a mother’s own milk is not available, and California continues to lead this shift.
This progress reflects a broader understanding: when a mother’s own milk is not available, pasteurized donor human milk is the next best option—supporting improved outcomes and protecting vulnerable infants.
Behind these advancements are the collective efforts of donors, healthcare providers, policymakers, and milk banks working together to build a stronger system of care.
Why Donor Human Milk Matters
Donor human milk is more than nutrition—it is medicine.
Human milk banks exist to:
Collect and safely process donated milk
Screen donors through rigorous health and blood testing
Pasteurize and test every batch to ensure safety
Distribute milk to hospitals and families who need it most
For premature and medically fragile infants, donor milk can:
- Support digestion and feeding tolerance
- Strengthen the immune system
- Reduce the risk of serious complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by up to 50%
For the smallest patients, this isn’t just beneficial—it can be lifesaving.
Both Mothers’ Milk Bank California and UC Health Milk Bank follow strict safety and quality standards, ensuring that every ounce of milk meets the highest level of clinical trust.
A Growing Need and a Shared Responsibility
While progress is real, so is the need.
Hospitals across California are seeing increasing demand for donor milk, driven by:
- Expanded clinical use in NICUs and well-baby units
- Greater awareness among healthcare providers
- Improved policies that make donor milk more accessible
As clinical use expands, demand for donor milk continues to grow. Milk banks across the country are navigating this challenge, and California is no exception.
At the same time, access is still not equal. While donor milk is widely available in hospitals, many families face barriers after discharge—making equity the next critical challenge to address. With strong hospital-based access in place, we now have the opportunity to build more seamless support for families at home, moving closer to equitable access to donor milk across the full continuum of care.
Meeting this need requires more than any one organization can provide alone.
It requires partnership.
Working Together for California
Mothers’ Milk Bank California and UC Health Milk Bank are united in a shared mission:
To ensure safe, equitable, and reliable access to donor human milk across California.
Together, we:
- Support hospitals in building and expanding donor milk programs
- Educate clinicians and families on the benefits and use of donor milk
- Uphold rigorous safety and quality standards
- Advocate for policies that improve access and equity
Across the state, our milk banks are collectively supporting the majority of NICUs, ensuring that donor human milk is available when and where it is needed most.
While each organization brings unique strengths, we are aligned in what matters most:
the health and well-being of California’s babies.
Looking Forward: Building a Stronger Future
As we look ahead, our focus is clear.
We must:
- Expand the donor pool to meet growing demand
- Reach more communities across California—especially those historically underserved
- Strengthen hospital partnerships statewide
- Continue advancing policies that support access to donor milk
- Invest in education so every family understands their options
Because one simple truth remains:
A single donor can help nourish and protect dozens of fragile infants.
Every ounce donated has the power to save and change lives.
A Call to Action
This California Human Milk Donation Month, we invite you to be part of this movement.
- If you are a breastfeeding parent with extra milk, consider becoming a donor.
- If you are a healthcare provider, continue championing donor milk as a standard of care.
- If you are a community member, help us spread awareness.
Because together, we can ensure that no baby goes without the nutrition they need to thrive.
One State. One Mission. Healthier Beginnings for Every Baby.
A Shared Commitment
“California is leading the way in expanding access to donor human milk—and that progress is only possible through collaboration. By working together, we are building a stronger, more equitable system of care—one where every baby, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity for a healthy start.”
— Mothers’ Milk Bank California & UC Health Milk Bank
Margaret G. Parker, Lisa Stellwagen, Emily R. Miller, Lawrence Noble, Mark R. Corkins, Mark L. Hudak, Committee on Fetus and Newborn, Section on Breastfeeding, Committee on Nutrition; Promoting Human Milk and Breastfeeding for the Very Low Birth Weight Infant: Clinical Report. Pediatrics February 2026; 157 (2): e2025073625. 10.1542/peds.2025-073625
