Why is it Important to Donate Breast Milk?

Person holding infant with bottles of milk and breast pump sitting in background

OHIOHEALTH

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Human breast milk contains antibodies that help newborns fight bacteria and viruses, as well as reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies.
• A single ounce of donated breast milk can feed three premature babies for one full day.
• Every donation of milk is carefully screened and pasteurized before it reaches a baby.
• Getting started only includes a phone screening, medical history review and blood test.
• Donors can drop off milk at one of 30 locations across Ohio or ship it using free materials provided by the milk bank.

SUMMARY:
Breast milk donations save lives, especially for premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) who rely on it for critical nutrition and protection. The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank connects people who are breastfeeding and have extra milk with the babies and families who need it most. This article explains how the donation process works, what to expect as a donor and how you can get started.

Human breast milk is powerful. One ounce can feed three premature babies for an entire day. It contains antibodies that help newborns fight off viruses and bacteria, and it’s the only thing known to decrease the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in babies born prematurely.

How Donated Milk Reaches Babies Who Need It

Families and care teams who need donor breast milk depend entirely on the generosity of mothers with excess milk to give. In 2023, OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank distributed more than 464,000 ounces of donated breast milk to NICUs across Ohio and 8 other states, saving the lives of countless babies.

Erika Larocca, RN, IBCLC, Clinical Nurse at the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, explains that the milk bank is unique in that we analyze and label bottles with the calorie count. This process helps determine how milk donations are combined to optimize nutrition.

Once the donations are received, the breast milk is pasteurized. This process preserves as much of the antibodies in the milk as possible while killing bacteria and viruses. Breast milk donations are only distributed to recipients who have a prescription. While babies in the NICU always have priority, it can also be distributed to outpatient babies who have a medical need, as the supply allows.

Things to Know Before You Donate

There are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about donating.

The milk bank cannot accept breast milk if the donor currently smokes or takes blood pressure medication.
There is a waiting period for donations if the mother is taking certain medications. Please discuss what medicines you’re taking and how that may affect your donation during your telephone screening.
Limit caffeine intake to 24oz per day.
Limit alcohol use. Your phone screening is a great time to ask any questions about what’s allowed.
Contact the milk bank before the milk has been stored for six to eight months.

How to Become a Breast Milk Donor

People who are breastfeeding and interested in becoming donors will go through a screening process to ensure the quality and safety of the milk. The process includes a phone screening to verify eligibility, completion of a medical and lifestyle history review, a signed medical release from the donor and physician. Donors also agree to receive a blood test to screen for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis, paid for by OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank.

Once approved, donors can continue donating their breast milk and will repeat their lab work every six months. Donations can be dropped off at one of 30 locations across Ohio or shipped using free containers and labels provided by the milk bank.

Donating in Memory of a Child

Parents and caregivers who would like to donate in memory of their child after a loss are warmly invited to reach out to the milk bank. The milk bank displays a memory tree with the baby’s first name and date of birth to honor the child and bereavement donation from the mother.

How to Get Started

You can apply to be a breast milk donor by calling (614) 566.0630 or sending an email to [email protected]. You can find more information on OhioHealth.com.

OhioHealth Milk Bank is accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can donate breast milk to the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank?

Anyone who is currently breastfeeding and has extra milk may be eligible to donate. The process includes a phone screening, medical history review, a signed medical release and a blood test.

Is donated breast milk safe for babies?

Yes. All donated milk is pasteurized to remove bacteria and viruses while preserving as many natural antibodies as possible. The OhioHealth Mother’s Milk Bank is accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, which sets the safety standards for milk banking.

Who receives donated breast milk?

Babies in the NICU have priority for donations. When supply allows, donated milk may also go to outpatient babies with a prescription.

Can I donate breast milk in memory of my baby?

Yes. The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank welcomes bereavement donations and honors each baby with a memory tree displaying the child’s first name and date of birth.