A comprehensive resource to provide you with all the information you need to incorporate donor milk into your baby’s feeding routine.
Welcome to the Family Guide to Donor Human Milk! This comprehensive resource is designed to provide you with all the information you need to safely and effectively incorporate donor milk into your baby’s feeding routine.
As a neonatologist who is passionate about infant nutrition, donor milk is something that I use and see the benefits of every day. As a fellow mom and donor, I understand how daunting it can be to navigate this world for the first time. As Medical Director for Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMBCA), I hope to give you knowledge and support, so you can confidently provide your baby with the nourishment they need.
Whether your baby is premature, medically fragile, or facing health challenges that make breastfeeding difficult, donor milk can provide vital nourishment and support healing when it’s needed most. This guide will cover everything from the benefits of donor milk for both guardian and baby to safe storage and handling. We’ll walk you through this process, step by step.
As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that each baby is unique, and finding the feeding method that works best for you and your little one may take time and patience. But remember: you’re not alone. Please reach out to healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and support groups for guidance and encouragement. In this guide, we will include some helpful resources as well.
Congratulations, and good luck.
Rachel Land, MD, FAAP
Medical Director, Mothers’ Milk Bank California
Neonatologist, El Camino Health
Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics – Neonatal and
Developmental Medicine at Stanford University
Prefer a printable format? Download the complete Family Guide to Donor Human Milk as a PDF to save or share.
