Breastmilk provides vital nutrients to infants even if it does not come from their own mother. Find out how you can donate pumped breastmilk to a milk bank.
All babies benefit from receiving breastmilk but preemies or sick babies have a special need for the nutritional benefits of breastmilk. If you are nursing your baby you can donate pumped breastmilk to help babies in need. The National Milk Bank supplies donated breast milk to sick babies in hospitals. You can visit their website to read frequently asked questions, take a simple survey to see if you qualify for donation, and sign up to donate breastmilk to sick babies.
The National Milk Bank covers all medical testing that is involved in order to qualify as a donor as well as provides an electric breast pump and a means of shipping the milk where it is needed. If you are breastfeeding your milk supply automatically adjusts based on how much milk you are expressing. Most healthy nursing mothers can become milk donors and can make a huge difference in the lives of sick babies.
Read More Information About Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding and the Workforce: Breastfeeding after Returning to Work
Breastfeeding 101: The First Weeks of Breastfeeding your Newborn
Myths About Breastfeeding: Common Questions about Nursing your Baby
