The Birth Connection Milk Bank

Breastmilk gives babies the nutrition and disease-fighting proteins they need to help them grow. Many moms donate their extra milk to help babies in need. They see their own baby doing well and want to give that gift to another.

Just about any nursing mother can donate. If you are healthy with a good medical history, you are likely a candidate. The first step towards becoming a donor is to complete an online interview to ensure that all breastmilk is free from defects that could potentially be harmful to babies.

When you are ready to donate milk, start by completing the 15 minute online interview.

The Birth Connection Milk Bank

The Birth Connection has partnered with Prolacta Bioscience to establish a licensed milk bank in Fullerton. Prolacta Bioscience, develops and provides improved methods for large-scale testing and processing of human breastmilk.

The Birth Connection Milk Bank will ask you questions about your health. Then you will have your blood tested for any problems or diseases. After that, you should be able to donate.

Additional benefits include:

Mothers who donate will receive a hospital grade breastpump.
A Birth Connection volunteer will pick up the milk at your house.

Why should I donate?

What equipment will I need?

Breast pumps: You will need a breast pump unless you decide to express your milk by hand. The milk bank can provide you with a pump and show you how to use it. Instructions for cleaning your pump should be provided. Bottles and labels: Collecting bottles and preprinted labels will be provided to you by the Birth Connection Milk Bank. Instructions for filling the containers will also be provided. Freezer: Donors are asked to freeze their milk immediately after collection in the bottle provided by the Birth Connection Milk Bank.

How do I store the milk?

If you are using a pump, pump directly into the bottles from the milk bank. Do not touch the inside of the lid of the bottle or the bottles themselves. Always leave space at the top of the bottle to allow the milk to expand when it freezes. Freeze the milk immediately after expressing it. Milk bottles should be stored in a container or bag, separate from other foods in the freezer. If you have collected milk that you are donating at one time, only milk that has been frozen for less than three months is fine.

How do I get the milk to the Birth Connection Milk Bank?

You have two options. You can: 1) deliver the milk to the Birth Connection Milk Bank yourself; or 2) have Birth Connection Milk Bank volunteers pick it up from your house and drop off new containers and labels. In addition, if you have been storing milk in your freezer prior to contacting the milk bank, they can accept the donation if it is less than three months old.

Additional Information: