A human milk bank collects breast milk donations from mothers who produce more milk than their babies need. They pasteurize and appropriately store the donor milk in medical freezers, and provides it to infants born prematurely or with very low birth weight (or other reasons) in neonatal intensive care units upon request. All donor mothers require screening and approval, and all donor milk is logged and monitored. You can look at a milk bank as an advanced kitchen, and it is often a part of the neonatal intensive care unit in hospitals. The milk banks recruits donors, do follow-ups, and deliver equipment to donors.

Breast milk is the best nutrition for newborns for at least the first 6 months of life. If a mother is unable to provide the infant with her own milk, due to various reasons - breast milk from a donor is the second best option. The milk contains vital nutrition no formula or sugar water can substitute.

The first milk bank was established in 1909, in Escherich. Today - there is 750 milk banks globally, across 66 countries. This may sound like a lot, but it´s far from enough. There is almost always a shortage of donor breast milk, and not enough money and resources are spent on running the milk banks. Most people have not even heard of a milk bank, and may not see the value in it unless they experience the need for it. Many countries do not even accept donor breast milk due to religion, status and personal values. Donor milk is highly valued and vital for many newborns, therefore we need more milk banks, information and donors.

Reception desk at The New York Milk Bank — The New York Milk Bank.

The roles of breast milk donor - Milk bank - NICU - Recipient.

Sources: milkbank.or.jp, wikipedia.org, hmbana.org

What Is A Milk Bank?

Why Become A Breast Milk Donor?