All About Donor Milk

Donor milk is breast milk from other parents who give milk to milk banks. It can help if your milk takes longer to come in or your baby needs extra milk.

You can be assured that donor milk is safe. Milk banks test donors to be sure they are healthy and teach them how to keep milk safe. The milk is also pasteurized (heated to kill germs), like cow’s milk from the store.

Donor milk is free while you are in the hospital if your baby needs it.

Why Donor Milk Helps

• Using donor milk (instead of formula) helps your baby’s stomach and intestines be healthy.
• Preterm babies who get donor milk instead of formula have a lower risk of serious infections.

Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast has lots of information on donor milk.