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FAQs

Who can donate breast milk?

Most nursing mothers are eligible to donate. We are able to accept milk donations from Mamas throughout the United States. By filling out the on-line application we will be able to determine if you are a likely donor.

Why should I donate?

Donor milk is used to produce a 100% human milk fortifier for babies in the NICU.  The only way to maintain a supply of this very precious milk is through donations from generous breast feeding mamas. You may begin freezing your extra milk for donation while your application is being processed.

Can I make a one-time donation?

Yes, although we do ask that a minimum of 100 ounces be given if you are not going to be an on-going donor. You will still need to complete the entire application process and all testing.

Will you accept my already frozen milk?

Yes, if the milk has been consistently frozen and properly stored for up to 5 months.  Exceptions may be made for large quantities of frozen milk over 5 months old.  Each bag/bottle must be labeled with the month, day and year of collection.

Will I have enough milk for my baby if I donate?

Your body makes milk on a supply and demand basis and adjusts to the amount of milk needed. If you are worried about your baby getting enough milk, you can pump an hour or so after feeding your baby.

How much milk should I pump?

This is up to you. There are no rules about how much you should pump. Different donors produce different amounts of milk at different times of the day. What works for one mom may not work for another. Find out what works best for you and your baby. The average donor donates between 20-30 bags a month.

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 should I store the milk prior to shipping?

Pump directly into a clean bottle attached to your breast pump. Pour the pumped milk into a milk collection bag and seal it. Label the bag with your name and the month, day and year of collection. Freeze the milk immediately after pumping. Milk bags should be stored in a container or plastic bag, separate from other foods in the freezer. If you are donating previously collected milk, please contact the donations coordinator with the collection dates.

What if I have taken medications?

Check with Milkin' Mamas about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter remedies (those you can buy without a prescription from your doctor). We will tell you whether you qualify to donate while taking your medications.

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 donating until your illness passes.

Can I drink alcohol while donating?

Most doctors say that alcohol in moderation is safe. 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 do I do if I go out of town?

This is up to you. Pumping when you are away from home can help you maintain your milk supply. However, finding freezer space and transporting the milk may create problems. You can always stop donating while you are away and then resume when you return home.

How do I get the milk to Milkin' Mamas?

There are three options depending upon where you live:

1. You can drop off the milk here at our office in Seal Beach.
2. If you live close by, someone from Milkin' Mamas can pick up the milk from your home.
3. If you are out of our area or out of state, we will send you a specially designed shipping cooler for you to ship your frozen milk via FedEx at no cost to you.

Who receives my donated milk?

The milk collected by Milkin' Mamas goes specifically to make a 100% human milk fortifier to be used in U.S. hospitals for premature, critically ill and low birth weight babies.

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. However, we do provide all the supplies needed for donation and cover all related expenses.

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 is as safe as possible. In order to provide this processing and formulation, millions of dollars in processing equipment and testing was invested. Much like the blood industry, the blood is donated by individuals, tested, processed and sold by blood processors. Milkin' Mamas is contracted with Prolacta Bioscience to provide donor milk. Once processed, Prolacta sells the milk to hospitals for use with critically ill babies. Prolacta Bioscience 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.

What if I have more questions?

Call Milkin' Mamas at (562) 598-6262 / (877) 522-6262 or email us at donate@milkinmamas.com. We can help answer all your questions and direct you to other resources if needed.