Donating Milk

Providing human milk saves the lives of fragile newborns who cannot get their own mother’s milk. Some mothers don’t have enough milk to feed their babies while they are in the hospital, but healthy breastfeeding mothers at home can help us make sure those babies continue to get human milk and the best care available.

If you have extra milk in your freezer at home we can accept as little as 100 ounces (that’s about 17 of the milk storage bags!) to as much as you think you can send! For our donor milk recipients, the gift you give can be lifesaving.

Do donors have to send 100 ounces of milk at a time?

There is no minimum or maximum amount required to donate at one time. Donors are asked to commit to donating 100 ounces over their entire donation period.

Should the milk be fresh or frozen when sent to the milk bank?

We only accept frozen milk that has previously been stored in freezers, preferably deep freezers.

How old can milk be when donated?

We prefer to receive milk before it is six months old. If you have milk that is older than six months, please contact us for further assessment.

Where is my milk sent following the pasteurization process?

After pasteurization and lab testing, the majority of donor milk is sent to Arkansas neonatal intensive care units.

Are donors compensated for their donations?

The UAMS Milk Bank and all other HMBANA accredited milk banks do not provide financial compensation for donated milk. We cannot endorse or support direct financial compensation or payment or third party compensation in any form for your donation. For more information please check out this link.

Donors are supported for their time and effort to donate their milk. The UAMS Milk Bank covers shipping costs for the milk, testing and processing of the milk. We help connect our generous community of donors to those in need in our state both in NICUs and families with newborns struggling to get breastfeeding started.

Are donors able to send their milk from out-of-state or in an area without a milk depot? 

We will gladly send insulated boxes and cover all shipping expenses for donors who wish to send their milk.

Can donors send milk already stored in their freezers before the screening process is complete?

Donors may send us frozen milk that is within the acceptable age range and free of restricted medications and therapies. Please note, for safety reasons, milk sent to the milk bank cannot be returned.

What kind of storage containers are recommended for donated milk?

All types of milk storage containers are acceptable. However, we can provide storage bags when available, so that donors do not have to purchase their own.

How long can donors donate?

Approved donors are allowed to donate for as long as they wish, regardless of the age of their baby.

Love endures even after the loss of your child and every life no matter how brief has meaning and purpose. For some families after the death of a loved one, there can be meaning and purpose found in using their existence to help others. The loss of a child, of a baby, is unimaginable. Our hearts grieve for you, this never gets easier.

Though your heart and soul are broken and grieving you are likely also struggling with lactation though your baby is gone. You may find that pumping and donating your precious milk can help provide comfort and soothe your heart while validating your identity as a mother.

Your precious gift of donated milk creates a legacy in the memory of your loss. Your gift will help give life to babies struggling to survive. We want to help make the application process as easy as possible during this time of mourning. If interested, please contact us at 501-686-5355 to see how you can become a donor.

https://uamshealth.com/uams-milk-bank/bereavement/