What is a milk bank? A milk bank is a facility that collects, screens, processes, and stores donated human breast milk to provide it to babies in need, particularly those who are premature or ill.
Why is donated breast milk needed? Donated breast milk is crucial for babies who are born prematurely or have medical conditions that prevent their mothers from providing enough milk. It offers essential nutrients and immune protection. Most of the milk that a milk bank processes goes to neonatal intensive care units and higher level nurseries to help care for sick and vulnerable infants.
How can I donate my breast milk? To donate, you typically need to contact a local milk bank, which will guide you through the screening process. This often includes a health questionnaire and, in some cases, blood tests. You can get started on the process to donate to the UAMS Milk bank here. If you don’t live near Arkansas you can look for milk banks near you on the HMBANA (Human Milk Banking Association of North America) website here.
What happens to the milk after donation? Donated milk is screened for safety, pasteurized (heated carefully) to kill any harmful bacteria, and then stored in a freezer. Milk is tested for contaminants and bacteria before it is sent out of the milk bank. It’s carefully managed to ensure it is safe and nutritious for babies.
Are there any health requirements for donors? Yes, donors usually need to be in good health, free of certain infections, and have a healthy lifestyle. The UAMS milk banks requires several blood tests and documentation from your physician confirming your health.
How is the milk tested for safety? The milk is tested for contaminants and pathogens through screening processes and blood tests for infectious diseases. It’s pasteurized to ensure it is free from harmful bacteria.
Can I choose who receives my milk? Milk banks typically cannot guarantee that your milk will go to a specific baby. The milk is distributed based on need, with priority often given to the most vulnerable infants.
Is there a compensation for donating milk? Milk banks usually do not pay for donations. The fees associated with receiving milk cover the costs of processing and storage, but the donation itself is voluntary. After donating milk, many donors feel a deep sense of fulfillment and joy, knowing they’ve contributed to the health and well-being of babies in need. It’s a meaningful way to share their breastfeeding journey and make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable infants and their families.
How is milk donated to the bank? Donors usually express their milk at home and then transport it to the milk bank using a special container. There are depots around Arkansas for those donating their milk where the milk can be dropped off (find a depot here). If you don’t live near a depot the milk bank will send you an insulated container, ice packs and a return shipping label to send the milk to us frozen. You can also drop it off directly at the milk bank and drop in to see us work!
Can I donate milk if I’m not currently breastfeeding? No, you must be actively breastfeeding or pumping milk regularly to be eligible to donate. Milk banks need a consistent and sufficient supply to meet the needs of babies.
Does the Milk Bank charge a fee for the pasteurized donor milk product it distributes? Yes, a milk bank needs to charge for the milk to cover the costs of processing and storing it safely. Fees are based on the costs of testing, equipment and staffing needs. This includes testing the milk for quality and diseases, pasteurizing it to ensure it’s safe, and storing it properly to keep it fresh. The fees help the milk bank continue to provide this important service and support the babies who need it.
Can the milk bank provide unpasteurized milk? No, a milk bank cannot provide unpasteurized milk. All milk donated to a milk bank is pasteurized to ensure it is safe for babies. Pasteurization is a critical process that eliminates harmful bacteria and pathogens, making the milk safe for consumption. This step is essential to protect the health of the infants who receive the milk.