The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Melinda asks:
Given my pumping and nursing schedule, I find that I have more frozen breastmilk than I will likely use within the 4 months that one can keep frozen breastmilk. I have heard that there are breastmilk banks to which you can donate expressed breast milk for babies who for whatever reason need it and the mothers don't/can't produce it. None of the breast milk banks are in my area (I live in New York City). Is there a way to donate breast milk if you don't live in the same city as a milk bank? I hate to see the milk go to waste, and would love to lend a helping hand to some one.

Donating your milk is one of the most generous acts you can do. Donated breastmilk saves the lives of premature babies as well as infants born with dangerous infections.

There are currently 6 milk banks operating in the United States.

Rules tend to vary from bank to bank, but most will want to test you for several diseases before accepting your milk, and may have restriction on what medications, herbs, and vitamins you may take while donating milk. For more information, you will want to visit Lacation Education Resources page on milk banking and then consult your most local milk bank.

You already know mother's milk makes your own baby healthier - but it is a lifesaver to preemies and babies in need. For those women who have the extra milk, I urge you to consider donating. Your precious gift will save lives.

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

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