Becoming a milk donor for Mothers’ Milk Bank is a generous act that provides vital nutrition to infants in need, particularly those who are premature or have medical conditions. Mothers’ Milk Bank, a member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), has established a streamlined process to ensure the safety and efficiency of milk donation.
1. Complete the Donor Interest Form
Begin by filling out the Donor Interest Form, which gathers basic information to initiate the screening process. This step takes approximately five minutes and works best with Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browsers.
2. Phone Screening
After you submit the initial form, our team will contact you by the next business day. Alternatively, you can contact Mothers’ Milk Bank at 303-869-1888 for a verbal screening. This 10-15-minute call assesses eligibility, addresses questions, and outlines the next steps.
3. Submit the Donor Screening Form
Next, complete a detailed online screening form covering medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors. You will also need to complete consent forms and agree to donate your milk to Mothers’ Milk Bank. This information helps confirm that donation is suitable for you and your family.
4. Review by Mothers’ Milk Bank
The milk bank staff reviews your screening form and sends necessary documents to your healthcare provider for confirmation of your medical history. You will receive an email with instructions for the next step within a few days of submitting the forms.
5. Complete Bloodwork
Visit a local lab or healthcare provider to complete blood tests, screening for potential infections that could affect the milk. Lab processing takes 3-5 days.
6. Begin Donating
Once approved, you can start donating immediately. Options include dropping off milk at the milk bank or a convenient Milk Depot, shipping via FedEx, or arranging for courier pickup. Mothers’ Milk Bank provides supplies and covers costs to facilitate the process.
Eligibility Criteria
To become a milk donor, you must:
- Have a surplus milk supply beyond your own baby’s needs.
- Take only approved medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- Not consume nicotine or tobacco in any form.
- Have no risk factors prohibiting blood donation (exceptions may apply).
- Adhere to guidelines for caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Practice exceptional hygiene and proper milk collection and storage methods.
- Be willing to undergo blood testing.
- Be less than 24 months postpartum when collecting milk.
By following these steps and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can play a crucial role in providing life-saving nutrition to infants who need it most.
For more information or to get started, contact Mothers’ Milk Bank at 303-869-1888 or toll-free at 833-234-0555.
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