Question 1

Who can donate milk?

Accepted Answer

Our donors are healthy mothers who are in their first two years postpartum with extra milk to share. Our donor qualifications are based on regulatory guidance, current research, best practices and clinical data. Donor screening standards are updated continuously to reflect new research, emerging diseases, new pharmaceuticals and new health risks.

All donors approved by Mothers’ Milk Bank Southeast are extensively screened which includes serology testing for HIV-1, HIV-2, HBV, HCV, HTLV; and RPR.

Question 2

What are the steps to becoming a donor?

Accepted Answer

1. Count your ounces. Make sure you have 100 oz. of frozen breastmilk that is clearly labeled with the date collected (including year). Also, please check to make sure none of your milk has been frozen no longer than 8 months and that the milk was collected before your baby's second birthday.
2. Complete the prescreening form. Please complete the prescreening form to begin the screening process only if you currently meet the general criteria and have 100 oz of breastmilk.
3. Schedule your phone screening interview. Once you complete the form below, you will be prompted to schedule your 30-minute phone screening interview.
4. Complete donor application. After your phone screening interview, you will be given a donor application to complete if you meet the criteria to proceed in the process. Obtaining your doctor's consent will be a part of the application.
5. Bloodwork. You will have a blood test at a lab near you. The cost of the test is covered by us.

Question 3

What are the requirements to becoming a donor?

Accepted Answer

An initial minimum of 100 ounces is required.
Complete prescreening application, phone screening interview and donor application.
Obtain consent from your physician.
Blood test covered by Mothers' Milk Bank Southeast.
All of the milk has remained frozen since it was collected.
Every bottle/bag is clearly labeled with the date collected, including the year.
No donated milk has been frozen for longer than 8 months.
All the milk was collected before the baby's second birthday.
You must practice safe pumping, cleaning and storage guidelines.

Question 4

What conditions or activities exclude someone from being able to donate?

Accepted Answer

Mothers’ Milk Bank Southeast provides lifesaving donor milk to the most critical infants. Therefore, temporary deferral periods or a permanent donor exclusion may apply in the following situations:
Smoking or use of tobacco products
Alcohol consumption (waiting period required after drinking ANY alcohol) 
Use of illegal recreational drugs
Use of cannabis or CBD products
Use of non-approved medications, vaccines, or herbal supplements
Positive serological test results for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis
Recent history of blood transfusion
Risk of blood-borne illnesses
Organ or tissue transplant
At-risk sexual practices

Question 5

Are milk donors compensated?

Accepted Answer

As an accredited member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), Mothers' Milk Bank Southeast follows standards created by healthcare and regulatory experts, ensuring that all milk is donated freely and without financial compensation. This approach is backed by several organizations, including the World Health Organization, FDA, and CDC, who agree that voluntary donation is the safest and most ethical method.

We are aware that some third-party companies offer financial incentives to milk donors, which place undue burden on milk bank donor screeners and milk processors. HMBANA member milk banks do not endorse or participate in these activities. We are grateful to our donors who choose to give their milk altruistically so that medically fragile babies have a fighting chance to grow and thrive! Milk donors are the superheroes who make nonprofit milk banking possible.

Question 6

Can I become a donor if I take medications?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the medication. Since we serve medically fragile babies, our guidelines for medications may be stricter than guidelines provided by your physician. Please complete the prescreening form for a member of our team to review your medications.

Question 7

How old can my milk be?

Accepted Answer

We accept breast milk from approved milk donors up to eight months from the date it was pumped if it has been properly stored.

All breast milk must be pumped prior to baby's second birthday.

Question 8

Who receives donor milk?

Accepted Answer

Pasteurized Donor Human Milk (PDHM) is prioritized for the smallest and most medically fragile babies, for whom research shows the most positive benefits from human milk. Mothers' Milk Bank Southeast dispenses PDHM to hospitals and families for outpatient usage.

Frequently Asked Questions