Who receives my donated breast milk?
Premature and critically ill babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in hospitals across the United States receive the milk donated to Milkin’ Mamas. Donated milk is shipped directly from your home to the milk processing lab to be formulated into a 100% Human Milk Fortifier and then distributed to hospitals.
Can I purchase breast milk from Milkin’ Mamas for my own baby?
No, Milkin’ Mamas does not supply milk to individual families. We are a liaison between breastfeeding mamas and the milk processing lab. All of the milk we collect goes specifically to nourish premature and critically ill babies in hospital NICUs.
Where are you located and will you accept my donation if I’m not close to you?
Although Milkin’ Mamas is located in Southern California, we are considered a “national milk bank”. Meaning, we can accept milk donations from mamas across the continental United States. At this time, we are unable to accept donations from mamas who are in Alaska and Hawaii or outside of the United States.
Can I make a one-time donation?
Yes, we do accept one time donations. We require a minimum of 150 ounces, but we will gratefully accept more. We are able to accept milk that has been consistently frozen for up to 12 months.
Will you accept milk that was pumped prior to me contacting Milkin’ Mamas?
Yes, if the milk has been consistently frozen and properly stored for up to 12 months from the day it was pumped. Each bag/bottle must be labeled with the month, day and year of collection.
How should I store the milk that I will be donating?
Label the bag/bottle with the month, day and year of collection and how many ounces it contains. Freeze the milk immediately after pumping. Ideally your freezer should be -4 degrees Fahrenheit or less. If you use milk collection bags, freeze them laying down flat as opposed to standing up. This saves room in your freezer and makes packing the shipping cooler easier.
After lactation begins, how long can a nursing mother donate to Milkin’ Mamas?
Milkin’ Mamas accepts milk from all qualified donors regardless of how long they have been nursing.
How do I get my breast milk to Milkin’ Mamas?
After you have gone through the Donor Qualification Process and have been approved to donate, a shipping cooler will be delivered to your home so that you may package up your frozen milk for donation. Your milk will be picked up by FedEx and sent directly to the lab, at no cost to you.
What if I take medications?
Most medications are not permitted for use while donating breast milk. Please check with Milkin’ Mamas to discuss any medications (prescription, over-the-counter or herbal supplements) you have taken since your baby was born. Many medications and herbs that are permitted during lactation are not acceptable for donation because donor milk is used exclusively for premature and critically ill infants.
Can I smoke while donating?
No, smoking and the use of tobacco products is not allowed for donors or for anyone residing in the donor’s home.
Can I drink alcohol while donating?
Yes, Milkin’ Mamas accepts milk from donors consuming less than two units of alcohol per day (a unit is equal to one glass of wine, one beer or one shot of liquor).
What if I am ill?
Please contact Milkin’ Mamas whenever you are feeling ill or if anyone in the family is ill. We can tell you if you should stop pumping for donation until your illness passes.
Will I be paid for my donations?
No, we rely on the goodness of mamas who voluntarily share their precious milk. We do not pay donors for their milk. We do provide all the supplies needed for donation and cover all the related expenses. Donated milk is not tax deductible.
Is the donated milk given to hospitals or is it sold?
Although your donated milk forms the precious raw material needed, extensive testing, formulation and processing must be done so that doctors can feel confident that the Human Milk Formulations they give their patients are as safe as possible. Once processed, the lab sells the milk to hospitals for use with premature and critically ill babies. Milkin’ Mamas is a for profit company that has built a business model that is sustainable so that parents of preterm babies can trust that there will be a ready source of Human Milk Formulations when babies need it.