Sometimes, even with frequent breastfeeding or pumping, your milk supply may be low. Until you are making enough to meet your baby’s needs, supplementation may be necessary. In these cases, your pediatrician might recommend a specific infant formula, or you may have the option to use pasteurized donor human milk. This carefully screened and processed milk gives your baby immune support and nourishment while bridging the gap until your supply increases.

What are Milk Banks?

Nonprofit milk banks, such as those accredited by the HMBANA (Human Milk Banking Association of North America), follow rigorous standards for donor screening, milk processing, and distribution. Across the United States, many hospitals use donor milk in their NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) to ensure the most vulnerable infants receive the nourishment they need. Some hospitals also offer donor milk to healthy newborns during their stay if supplementation is needed.

Is Donor Milk Safe?

Yes. Banked donor milk is carefully screened and processed, making it safe even for the most vulnerable infants. According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), donor milk is the next best option after a mother’s own milk and is preferred over commercial infant formulas when supplementation is needed.

Accredited milk banks use strict safety protocols, including detailed health and lifestyle screening of donors, blood tests, and pasteurization to remove harmful bacteria and viruses. After processing, the milk is tested and stored under precise conditions to maintain its nutritional quality and immune-protective properties. When obtained from an accredited milk bank, donor milk is a safe and reliable option—especially for premature or medically fragile infants who benefit most from its unique nutrients and antibodies.

Benefits of Donor Milk

Donor human milk provides many of the same nutritional and immune-protective benefits as a mother’s own milk. It is particularly valuable for premature or medically fragile infants, helping to reduce the risk of infections, digestive issues, and other complications. It also supports healthy growth and development while giving mothers time to build or increase their own milk supply. Some milk banks even offer specially screened batches free from common allergens like dairy, soy, or gluten. In this way, donor milk can be a safe and supportive bridge, helping babies thrive while supporting ongoing breastfeeding efforts.

How Donor Milk is Collected and Processed

Approved donors go through detailed health questionnaires, interviews, and blood tests to ensure eligibility. Once accepted, they express and freeze their milk before delivering it to the milk bank. There, donations are pasteurized to remove harmful pathogens while preserving important nutrients and immune components. Each batch is then tested, labeled, and stored under controlled conditions until it is distributed to hospitals or families. This thorough screening and processing system ensures that donor milk is safe, reliable, and beneficial for infants in need.

How to Obtain Donor Milk from a Milk Bank

Because supplies are limited, pasteurized donor milk from HMBANA-accredited milk banks is usually reserved for hospitalized infants, especially those in the NICU. However, when there is an excess supply, some milk banks may make donor milk available for families in the community. A pediatrician’s prescription is typically required. Families are not “buying” the milk, but covering the costs of screening and processing. Across the U.S., prices generally range from $3 to $5 per ounce and in some cases, health insurance may help with the cost.

Are There Risks to Using Donor Breast Milk?

Informal milk sharing occurs when mothers provide breast milk to other families—whether to a sibling, friend, relative, or someone they’ve connected with online. While well-intentioned, this practice carries potential risks. Informally shared milk is not screened for infectious diseases, nor is there verification of the donor’s lifestyle, medications, or diet.

Because of these risks, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) do not recommend informal milk sharing. In 2017, the ABM (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine) released a policy statement offering healthcare providers guidance on screening and safe handling practices, helping families make informed choices.

For the safest option, we recommend obtaining pasteurized donor milk only through an accredited HMBANA milk bank.

Interested in Becoming a Donor?

If you are considering donating your milk to help other families, milk banks have different requirements. The minimum donation commitment varies—some banks accept as little as 100 ounces, while others require 200 ounces. Donations can be a one-time contribution or ongoing for several months or longer, depending on your availability and the milk bank’s needs.

Milk banks provide all the guidance and support you need, from screening and health checks to safe collection and delivery procedures. Becoming a donor is a meaningful way to support infants in need while contributing to a community of breastfeeding families.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.