Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMB) is a vital organization dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of infants through the provision of donated human milk. As one of the leading milk banks in the United States, MMB plays a crucial role in providing life-saving nutrition to premature and critically ill infants. Here are ten essential things to know about this incredible institution.
1. Mission and Vision
Mothers’ Milk Bank California is dedicated to providing safe, pasteurized donor human milk to infants in need, especially those who are premature or critically ill. Our mission is to advance health and wellness by providing safe donor milk, and our vision is a world where human milk is accessible to all, starting at birth.
2. History and Establishment
Founded in 1974, Mothers’ Milk Bank California has been serving communities for nearly five decades. It was established in response to the growing recognition of the benefits of human milk for premature infants, and it has since expanded its reach and impact significantly.
3. Accreditation and Safety Standards
MMB is accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), ensuring that it adheres to the highest standards of safety and quality. Every batch of donated milk undergoes rigorous testing and pasteurization to ensure it is safe for vulnerable infants.
4. The Donation Process
Donating milk to MMB is a straightforward process. Prospective donors undergo a simple medical screening that includes a health history review, blood tests, and a medical clearance. Once approved, donors can conveniently ship their milk to the bank, where it is processed and distributed.
5. Who Receives the Milk?
The primary recipients of donated milk are premature and medically fragile infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). However, Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMB) also provides support to infants with special medical needs, those whose mothers cannot produce enough milk, adopted babies, and outpatient families in need of donor milk. We serve both hospitals and outpatient communities to ensure that all infants have access to life-saving nutrition.
6. Impact on Infant Health
Human milk is often referred to as “liquid gold” due to its numerous health benefits. For premature and ill infants, donor milk can be life-saving. It provides essential nutrients, boosts the immune system, and significantly reduces the risk of conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
7. Support for Mothers
In addition to providing milk for infants, MMB offers support and resources for lactating mothers. They provide education on breastfeeding, help with lactation challenges, and foster a supportive community for donor mothers.
8. Community Engagement
Mothers’ Milk Bank California actively engages with the community through events, educational programs, and partnerships with healthcare providers. Our goal is to raise awareness about the critical importance of human milk and the life-changing impact of milk donation.
9. Research and Advocacy
MMB is committed to ongoing research to better understand the benefits of human milk and enhance milk banking practices. We also advocate for policies that support breastfeeding and milk donation, aiming to ensure that more infants have access to donor milk.
10. How You Can Help
There are several ways to support Mothers’ Milk Bank California. If you’re a lactating mother, consider becoming a milk donor. Donations of funds and volunteer time are also greatly appreciated. Additionally, spreading awareness about the importance of human milk and the work of MMB can help expand their reach and impact.
Mothers’ Milk Bank California is a beacon of hope and support for countless families. By ensuring that the most vulnerable infants receive the nutrition they need to thrive, MMB is making a profound difference in the world, one ounce of milk at a time. For more information or to get involved, visit MothersMilk.org