Donate Milk

Every ounce counts. Will you be our next milk warrior?

Thank you for your interest in providing lifesaving human milk for babies in need. When a mother cannot provide her own milk for her baby, donor milk gives babies the best chance of surviving and thriving.

Why Donate?

At Mothers’ Milk Bank, we stand behind the science that human milk gives babies the best possible chance at healthy growth and development from day one. Full stop. We rely upon the generosity and goodwill of healthy milk donors to provide this lifesaving nourishment to a growing number of hospitals, families, and premature or at-risk babies every day. The benefits are immeasurable–from protecting against illness and infection, to supporting brain development and digestion for life.

When it comes to the health and well-being of babies, especially those at great risk, human milk is the ideal food. It’s packed with nutrients and antibodies, contains just the right amount of calories and fluids, and helps protect against diseases and serious complications. Whether it’s stomach bugs and ear infections or asthma and diabetes, medical experts say that babies should be fed human milk exclusively for the first six months of life to get the best possible health outcomes. But according to the World Health Organization (WHO), less than half of infants under six months old are exclusively breastfed.

Milk banks play a vital role, saving lives and enhancing babies’ immune systems with every donated ounce. Get Started Today.

How It Works?

We make sure to use every drop of milk, even the kind that’s not suitable for babies, is used for studies or research purposes. If you’re a mom who’s been through loss and is donating, we hope this process brings some healing and comfort. We’re here to support you however we can. Please check out our bereavement resources for more info.

There is no cost to being a donor. From your initial screening to the storage and shipment of your milk, all costs are covered by Mothers’ Milk Bank. A diligent intake process allows Mothers’ Milk Bank to ensure that milk donors meet standard safety requirements, allowing their milk to support the growth and development of premature, critically ill, malnourished, or at-risk babies.

Once you have collected a minimum of 100 ounces of milk, there are four steps to getting your donated milk dispensed to hospitals and families, outlined below. If you are experiencing the loss of your baby, there is no minimum amount of milk required to donate.

  • Step 1. Initial screening questionnaire
    Get started by filling out the form below, and a donor services coordinator will get in touch with you.
  • Step 2. Quick phone chat
    This interview is to understand your general health, meds, supplements, and breastfeeding experience. Available in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese.
  • Step 3. Completion of donor packet
    Share more about your medical history and lifestyle and sign medical consent forms.
  • Step 4. Blood work
    The final step in the screening process is to complete blood work, which will be coordinated and paid for by Mothers’ Milk Bank.

If you’d prefer to speak directly to our donor services team, please contact us at 1-877-375-6645 (option 3), or send us a message here.

Get Started (Initial Form)

Please start the process by submitting the donor screening form below.

Date*
First Name*
Last Name*
Street Address*
City*
State*
Zip Code*
Phone*
Email*

How did you hear about Mothers’ Milk Bank?
Please be specific so we can thank our community partners.

Baby's Name*

Baby's Date of Birth*

Was the baby born full term? YesNo

If no, how many weeks preterm

Is your baby in the hospital? YesNo

If yes, Name of hospital and contact information

Bereaved donor? YesNo

Surrogate donor? YesNo

Are you a previous donor? YesNo

How many ounces do you currently have stored in your freezer that you would like to donate?

Approximate oldest date of milk*

Was the expressed milk stored in the freezer? YesNo

Was the milk in the refrigerator more than 96 hours (4 days) before moving it to the freezer?
YesNo

Has your milk been thawed, scalded or boiled? YesNo

If yes, please explain:

Are you a Kaiser Permanente patient? YesNo

I understand Mothers’ Milk Bank is a nonprofit organization and I will not receive financial compensation for my milk donation