Over 40 Years of Magic at Mothers’ Milk Bank
We always say “Human Milk is Magic,” and for more than 40 years we’ve celebrated that magic here at Mothers’ Milk Bank! For the last four decades, Mothers’ Milk Bank has been providing donor human milk to families and hospitals throughout the country. We are one of the largest nonprofit milk banks in North America, and are honored to now serve over 140 hospitals and clinics in 24 states.
As we embark on the next 40 years, we’re celebrating the many milestones, accomplishments, ounces donated, and lives saved along the way.
Mothers’ Milk Bank started all because one mom knew her baby deserved better
When Denver mother Joyce Ann had her son prematurely, she wanted him to get as much human milk as possible. She understood the benefits human milk provided to newborns and was determined for him to have it. Unfortunately, she was not able to produce enough for him herself, and his hospital feedings ended up being supplemented with formula.
After this experience, Joyce Ann knew her baby—and all babies—deserved better. What Colorado needed was a milk bank that could make donor human milk available to premature and fragile infants in the hospital. With the help of Dr. Marianne Neifert, Dr. Joy Seacat, and the Junior League of Denver, Joyce Ann’s vision came to fruition. Mothers’ Milk Bank opened four years later and has been saving babies ever since.
Mothers’ Milk Bank through the years
1984-2007
After donor human milk was unavailable for Joyce Ann’s son, Mothers’ Milk Bank opens in 1984 with overwhelming support from the medical community in Colorado.
One year later, Mothers’ Milk Bank joined St. Luke’s Hospital, and the Human Milk Banking Association of North America was established to provide evidence-based guidelines and standards to the industry.
2008-2014
Rocky Moutain Children’s Health Foundation was established in 2008 and became the parent organization of Mothers’ Milk Bank.
In 2014, Mothers’ Milk Bank celebrated its 30th anniversary and the accomplishment of dispensing over 3 million ounces of donor human milk.
2015-present
After moving to a new facility in Arvada in 2015, Mothers’ Milk Bank became the first nonprofit milk bank to recieve an ISO Class 7 cleanroom certification.
Mothers’ Milk Bank has dispensed over 11 million ounces of donor human milk since our opening in 1984. In 2024 Mothers’ Milk Bank was honored to celebrate 40 years.
Share a Milk Bank Memory!
From our beginnings in 1984 to our 40th Anniversary, so many amazing staff, partners, and milk donors have made Mothers’ Milk Bank what it is today. Share your memories about Mothers’ Milk Bank for an opportunity to be featured!
As a social worker in a level 4 NICU, I saw the benefits of donor human milk every day. These extremely premature babies thrived on it. After the birth of my baby, I had an over supply from the beginning. I wanted to donate my milk and contacted Mother’s Milk bank in Colorado.
Our baby passed away after two months in the NICU and, we were left with a freezer full of breast milk. I knew immediately that I wanted to donate the milk to other babies in the NICU. We donated over 2,000 ounces of breast milk through Mothers’ Milk Bank. Our baby touched the lives of many throughout his short time with us.
During our time in the NICU, we saw many babies who needed donor milk. Because of their immature digestive systems, premature babies cannot handle formula the way full term babies can. My husband and I had a heart for these babies and we knew that one way we could help them was by donating some of my supply. I donated over 500 ounces to Mothers’ Milk Bank a few days after she came home.
I was fortunate enough to be able to stay home with my baby for the first year of her life. But I had so much extra milk! After a little research I found Mothers’ Milk Bank, and they were located within walking distance of my house. They made donating very easy! I was provided storage bags and they were always willing to meet me downstairs in the parking lot when it was too cold to bring the baby out.
