Mothers’ Milk Bank Announces Critical Need for Donor Milk Nation’s oldest milk bank, based in San Jose, invites lactating mothers to join its network of milk donors to support premature and adopted infants
San Jose, California
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February 28, 2024 06:00 AM Pacific Standard Time
Mothers’ Milk Bank (MMB), the California-based nonprofit, is inviting lactating mothers to join its network of milk donors, aiming to expand its pool of contributors. This announcement comes on the heels of a new University of Iowa study on the health benefits of donated breast milk for extremely premature infants. The importance of donated breast milk has garnered international media attention in recent months after tennis champion Serena Williams shared her milk donation in a viral social media post.
In response to the significant demand for human donor milk and the urgent need to support our communities' most vulnerable members, Mother’s Milk Bank is leading a comprehensive initiative to recruit new milk donors. This initiative includes "Milk Meet-Ups," providing opportunities for individuals to begin the month-long process of qualifying as milk donors. These Meet-Ups will kick off with an in-person Milk Drive on February 29 in Madera County at the Madera Department of Public Health, marking the start of an ambitious Milk Donor Drive aiming to enlist 5,000 new donors throughout 2024.
Mothers’ Milk Bank Milk Meet-Up Schedule:
Madera County (north of Fresno): Madera Department of Public Health
Date: February 29, 2024 | Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Location: 1604 Sunrise Ave, Madera, CA 93638 | Oz Conference Room
Los Angeles County: Henry Mayo’s Lactation Department
Date: March 28, 2024 | Time: TBD
Location: 23861 McBean Pkwy Suite B-14 Valencia CA, 91355
VIRTUAL Milk Drive with Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Click to start the donor registration process beginning April 1, 2024
Santa Cruz County: Watsonville Community Hospital
Date: May 2, 2024 | Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: 75 Nielson St., Watsonville, CA 95076 | Conference Room 1 & 2
Sacramento County: McKinley Park
Date: May 3, 2024 | Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: 601 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816
Placer County: Women’s & Children’s Center
Date: May 4, 2024 | Time:10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: 1600 Eureka Rd., Roseville, CA 95661 | Building B
Premature infants, medically fragile babies, and those with special medical needs depend on donated breast milk for their survival. In 2023, over 2,000 generous donors contributed to Mothers’ Milk Bank, providing 1.64 million ounces of this life-saving mothers’ milk to babies in need across the United States. Recognizing the growing demand, Mothers’ Milk Bank anticipates an increased need in 2024. To meet this demand, the organization aims to recruit 5,000 lactating mothers from diverse backgrounds to become donors of this precious "liquid gold”.
The process to become a donor typically takes a month, resulting in an ongoing need to recruit new donors to ensure a steady supply of donor milk. On average, most donors only send milk for less than one year or until their baby turns one, it is critical to consistently raise awareness of the importance of donating surplus mothers’ milk.
“We are experiencing a pressing need for more milk donors, and it's vital for the welfare of the infants depending on our services that we expand our donor network without delay," states Jennifer Benito-Kowalski, chief executive officer of Mothers' Milk Bank.
Mothers who are currently breastfeeding and have excess milk are encouraged to consider donating to help fill this crucial need. To start the process, visit the Mothers’ Milk Bank website to fill out an application. Those who are unable to donate breast milk can still help by sponsoring a cooler for $98 or by making a financial contribution.
Why donate breast milk?
The need for donated breast milk remains constant, especially for infants facing health complications. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 300,000 babies require advanced medical care in neonatal intensive care units across the United States every year. This need may arise when infants are born prematurely before their mother's milk has developed, when they face specific health challenges during infancy, or when they are adopted or born through surrogacy.
Eligible milk donors include lactating mothers whose bodies produce more milk than their own baby needs, when they have lost their own child postpartum and need to help their body transition from lactation, or simply because they are altruistically driven to support infant health through equal access to breast milk.
How does milk donation work?
Mothers’ Milk Bank screens all potential breast milk donors through a comprehensive but easy, facilitated process per internationally recognized guidelines. All donated milk is pooled, pasteurized and tested before distribution to hospitals and families in need. There is no cost to becoming a milk donor – nor are donors compensated. Mothers’ Milk Bank provides donors with professional support and resources during the donation process and covers all screening and shipping costs. Lactating mothers interested in becoming a donor can learn more about the Milk Meetups and Spring Donor Drive at MothersMilk.org. To get started send an email to donate@MothersMilk.org, call 1-877-375-6645, Ext. 3 or apply online.
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To schedule an interview, contact Liza Batallones at 415-766-0846 or liza@landispr.com.
Hi-res images are available for download here.
About Mothers’ Milk Bank
Founded nearly 50 years ago, the Mothers’ Milk Bank is a leading nonprofit organization based in San Jose, California, that is dedicated to providing screened, donated human milk to all babies. The organization collects, pasteurizes, and distributes safe human milk to hospitals and families in need, ensuring that infants receive the essential nutrition required for optimal health and development. With a commitment to improving the lives of babies, Mothers’ Milk Bank plays a vital role in supporting families and advancing neonatal care across California and beyond. More information at MothersMilk.org.
Contact Details
Landis Communications, Inc.
Liza Batallones
+1 415-766-0846
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