BREASTFEEDING - Facts about Milk Donation

Facts about Milk Donation

Human milk is important for all babies. But for medically fragile or premature infants, breast milk is even more critical. Even life saving. When a mother’s own breast milk isn’t available, the next best option is milk that has been donated by a carefully screened mom and thoroughly pasteruized. A healthy breastfeedig mom can donate excess milk by pumping and storing the milk in a freezer. Three Rivers Mothers’ Milk Bank accepts donations of frozen bags or bottles of breastmilk which can be dropped off or shipped to their accredited lab in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

Who Can Donate ~ Healthy women are encouraged to donate breast milk when:

*They are already meeting their own baby’s needs or are a bereaved or surrogate mom.

*They have a stockpile of at least 50 ounces of milk in the freezer

*They are willing to participate fully in the screening process which includes a blood draw

*They are willing to donate at least 150 ounces since there is significant expense incurred to the Milk Bank for screening and testing. The minimum amount is waived for bereaved moms.

*They are not taking any unapproved medications or herbal supplements, including galactagogues such as fenugreek (please contact the Milk Bank for specific questions)

*They do not smoke or use tobacco products

Please note: The Milk Bank is able to accept frozen breast milk as long as it’s been stored in a dedicated freezer for up to nine months or in a refrigerator freezer for up to three months.

HOW TO DONATE

Contact Three Rivers Mothers’ Milk Bank for an initial interview, conducted by a Milk Bank staff member either by phone or in person. Further information will be given at that time.

Address: 3127 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Phone: 412-281-4400

Donor Milk for Outpatient Use

Infants outside of the hospital setting can benefit from donor milk too! All outpatient orders require a signed prescription from a healthcare provider with prescriptive authority who is providing medical care to the recipient. Priority is given to hospitalized infants so therefore The Milk Bank cannot guaranttee availability for outpatients.