Donor Milk

Evidence 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.70117?af=R 

Laura D. Klein, Tong Wu, Laura Thomas, Richard Brown, Christine Sulfaro, Vanessa Clifford 

Donated human milk is the preferred alternative source of nutrition when infants born preterm do not have access to enough maternal breast milk. Around the world, human milk banks have been established to ensure that vulnerable infants can access safe supplies of donor human milk. Milk donors are the foundation of milk banking, and understanding who donates milk in different settings is important for creating sustainable donor milk services. 

Education 

When babies are born early or sick, feeding can be harder. Sometimes a parent’s own milk takes time to come in, or there may not be enough at first. When this happens, the hospital may give your baby donor milk. 

Donor milk is breastmilk that has been safely donated by another mum via the hospital or a milk bank. It is cleaned, checked and prepared very carefully so it is safe for tiny and unwell babies. 

Why donor milk matters 

• Human milk whether from a baby’s own mother or from a donor, is easier to digest than formula. It’s gentler on delicate newborn tummies, especially for premature or low-birthweight infants. 

• Donor milk helps protect the gut, reducing risk of serious conditions such as Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially life-threatening intestinal disease often seen in very premature infants. 

• It supports better feed tolerance, improved digestion, and overall growth including neurodevelopmental and visual development outcomes in preterm babies.  

• For many families, donor milk serves as a “bridge” until a mother’s own milk supply comes in or becomes sufficient.  

What donor milk can and can’t do 

• Donor milk is not a replacement for a mother’s own breastmilk long-term. It is used when maternal milk is unavailable, delayed or insufficient.  

• Pasteurisation and processing of donor milk (essential for safety) may reduce some of the bioactive components naturally present in fresh breastmilk.  

• Donor milk is typically reserved for medically fragile babies (e.g. very preterm, low birth weight, or with serious health problems) during their hospital stay.  

• Once your own milk supply is established, or your baby no longer requires donor milk, your care team may transition your baby to your expressed milk (or, if needed, to formula) as per hospital guidelines.  

Empowerment 

Donor milk is there to support your baby, not replace your role. Using donor milk does not diminish your ability to eventually breastfeed or express your own milk. The intention is not to replace maternal milk long-term, but to provide support during a vulnerable period.  

You have a voice and a choice. If donor milk is recommended for your baby, the hospital’s neonatal healthcare team will talk you through the reasons and process. Consent and your comfort with donor milk is important.  

Donor milk can be lifesaving. For many premature or sick babies, donor milk offers essential protection and nutrition at a time when formula may pose added risks.  

Useful Links  

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood  

https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donors/milk 

Australian Breast-Feeding Association  

https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/donor-milk 

Children’s and Adolescent Service, Western Australia 

https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Neonatology/The-Perron-Rotary-Express-Milk-Bank