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 […]
If you ask ten people about breastfeeding, you’ll probably get ten different opinions on what you can or should do when it comes to eating, exercising, pain management, and more. Don’t eat spicy food. Avoid certain medications. Drink special teas for increased production. These thoughts can quickly become overwhelming for new parents already navigating sleepless […]
Here are some tips from Mothers’ Milk Bank California to help you along the way if you’re traveling while pregnant or pumping.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE San Jose, CA (March 20, 2026) — Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMBCA) announces the appointment of Veronica Sanford and Maya von Heyden to its Board of Directors, further strengthening the organization’s leadership as it expands its impact and advances access to donor human milk. Veronica Sanford brings extensive experience in strategic innovation, […]
Inspired by Rosie the Riveter and her legacy of women powering the nation, this campaign connects yesterday’s strength to today’s urgent need for donor human milk.
Feeling prepared to give birth is powerful. Feeling prepared and empowered to feed your newborn baby is no different. Here are seven questions to ask your provider to make sure you’re on the right track. Many parents assume that breastfeeding will just happen. And sometimes it does, but even when things go smoothly, there are […]
A first-time mom reflects on the early days of breastfeeding, and provides practical guidance and supportive resources for lactating mothers. “You’re a good mom, even when you feel bad. Breastfeeding is hard and unpredictable. Let’s assess your situation together and pivot as needed.” Those words, spoken by a lactation consultant to our hospital baby group […]
Why Support for Lactating Parents at Work Matters For many postpartum mothers returning to work, balancing employment, personal recovery, newborn care, and household responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Melanie, a nurse, returned to work just eight weeks after giving birth. She understood the benefits of human milk and hoped to breastfeed her baby for at least […]
Upon becoming a Mothers’ Milk Bank California milk donor last year, Anna Pangilinan learned that she shares the title with her mom, Leslie. In the middle of her surrogacy journey in 1996, Leslie Gilbertson discovered Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMBCA) after seeing firsthand the nourishment that breastmilk provided for three of her own children, and […]
Donating breast milk can feel deeply personal and it’s normal to have questions, hesitations, or even worries. We often receive calls from prospective donors who want to understand the impact of their donation on the community. Here at Mothers’ Milk Bank California, we welcome those conversations because this is your milk and it represents a […]