California Human Milk Donation Month

Becoming Heroes: Transforming Nourishment Into Lifelines

Every May, California pauses to recognize the mothers who give in a way that often feels very ordinary to them—but means everything to someone else.

California Human Milk Donation Month honors the women who share what their bodies naturally provide, offering comfort and nourishment to babies who need extra support. What may feel like a small, everyday act at home can make a profound difference for fragile babies in NICUs across our state.

This year’s theme, Becoming Heroes: Transforming Nourishment Into Lifelines, reflects a simple truth: when a mother chooses to donate milk, she becomes part of another family’s story—often without ever knowing their name.

A few ounces. A few minutes. A quiet decision made at home.

And because of that choice, a premature or medically fragile baby has a better chance to grow, heal, and take their next steps forward.

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Why Donor Milk Matters

When babies are born too soon or too sick to be fully nourished by their own mother’s milk, donated human milk can make a life-changing difference. It supports fragile immune systems, protects developing intestines, and helps babies tolerate feeding when they need it most.

Behind every bottle of donor milk is a mother who chose to help another family she may never meet. That quiet generosity is what we’re celebrating all month long.

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Join Us This May: Donor Drives & Milk Drives

Throughout California Human Milk Donation Month, we’re hosting donor drives and milk drives across the state—and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Donor Drives

For mothers interested in becoming milk donors

Donor drives are designed for mothers who are curious about donating and want to learn more. These events offer education, conversation, and guidance on what milk donation involves, how it works, and whether it might be a good fit for you.

If you’ve ever thought, “I might have extra milk—could this help another baby?”

A donor drive is the perfect place to start.

Milk Drives

For current donors ready to give milk

Milk drives are for mothers who are already part of our donor community and are actively donating milk. These events focus on collecting donated milk and celebrating the incredible impact our donors continue to make for babies and families.

Every drop collected represents nourishment, protection, and hope.

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Mark Your Calendar. Be a Hero.

Whether you’re exploring donation for the first time or continuing your journey as a milk donor, your participation matters.

• • Mark your calendar

• • Attend a donor drive or milk drive near you (see list above)

• • Help transform nourishment into lifelines

This May, we honor the heroes among us—the mothers whose generosity saves lives every single day.

Because what feels natural to one mother can mean everything to another family.