Each year on May 19, we celebrate World Human Milk Donation Day. Originating in Brazil more than twenty years ago, this day was created to promote the importance of donating milk to nonprofit milk banks. If you’re reading this post, then chances are you already know that donating your milk is an incredibly powerful way to support fragile babies. So today, we’re focusing on tips to help make your journey—whether you’re just getting started or already a seasoned pro—as smooth, impactful, and rewarding as possible.
Label your milk clearly and consistently . . .
Proper labeling makes a huge difference. Always include the date the milk was expressed and make sure it’s legible – sometimes even our own handwriting gives us trouble! When donating your milk, we always recommend using a black permanent marker for peace of mind. This also helps our team process and store your donations efficiently.
Use your oldest milk first . . .
When packing up your milk to send in, start with the oldest frozen milk first. We accept frozen milk up to 6 months old, so keeping an eye on your freezer inventory ensures nothing goes to waste and helps more babies benefit from your donation.
Stay in touch . . .
Let our donation pros know if anything changes with your health, medications, or lifestyle. Even something as simple as a new vitamin or over-the-counter cold remedy is worth mentioning. Not sure if a medication is okay? Curious about tips for keeping your milk safe during the hottest months of the year? Reach out! We’re here to support you and help ensure your liquid gold stays safe.
Freeze your milk promptly and store it properly . . .
Freeze your milk as soon as possible after pumping. Store it in the back of the freezer to keep it consistently cold. Pumping frequently? Consider keeping a log to track dates and volumes as this can make organizing your donations much easier down the line.
Give yourself props . . .
Seriously! We know just how much time, energy, and hard work pumping demands, and we can’t thank you enough for sharing the gift of your milk with babies in need. Whether it’s 200 ounces or 2,000 ounces, every single drop makes a big, sometimes lifesaving, difference for the most fragile infants. When we say our milk donors are heroes we mean it. Be proud – you’re doing something extraordinary.
