Donor Breastmilk For Babies

Key points about donor milk for babies

• a parent’s own milk is the first choice for their baby
• donor milk may be used when a baby has a medical or nutritional need
• donors are carefully screened and donated milk is pasteurised
• donor milk is especially helpful for premature and critically ill pēpi
• donor milk is only given with your consent

What is donor milk?

Donor breastmilk, also called donor human milk, is breastmilk that has been donated to a milk bank.

A milk bank accepts breastmilk from healthy breastfeeding donors. Donors meet strict screening requirements. The milk is pasteurised and frozen before it is given to pēpi.

Donor milk is not intended to replace a parent’s own milk. It provides temporary support when a baby has a medical or nutritional need.

Donor milk is only available to pēpi who meet certain criteria. Availability and criteria may differ between neonatal units.

Is donor milk safe?

Donors are carefully screened. Donated milk is pasteurised and most milk banks test it for bacterial contamination.

Pasteurisation means heating the milk to make it safer for vulnerable pēpi. The milk is then frozen as soon as possible to help preserve its nutritional content.

Pasteurisation reduces some of the nutritional and protective properties of breastmilk. But, donor milk still provides important benefits.

Benefits of breastmilk

A parent’s own milk is the first choice for all pēpi. It has a unique mix of nutrients and protective components and will always be used before donor milk.

Breastmilk is especially important for premature and unwell pēpi. It is easy to digest and can reduce the risk of some complications.

Breastmilk contains more than 200 components that support a baby’s growth and health. These components can:

• help build a healthy immune system
• protect pēpi from infections
• provide proteins that are easy to digest
• reduce the risk of bowel problems in premature pēpi
• support brain and nervous system growth

Consent and review of donor milk

Your baby will only receive pasteurised donor milk with your consent.

Your baby’s healthcare team will regularly review your baby’s feeding plan with you and their ongoing need for donor milk.  

Supporting your milk production

Expressing early and often can help establish your milk supply. Aim to express at least 8 times in 24 hours, including once overnight. Talk with your baby’s healthcare team. They can work with you to make a plan. 

Record how much milk you express each time. You may be able to use an app, or staff can provide an expressing log.

Regular skin-to-skin contact can also support your milk production. Even small amounts of your own milk can be added to donor milk to share your unique micro-organisms with your baby. Staff will help you find ways to establish and maintain your milk supply.