Empowering the Tiniest:
How Mothers’ Milk Bank California Supports NICU Patients
An extraordinary initiative promises to profoundly impact the lives of the smallest and most vulnerable patients in your care. As the oldest nonprofit milk bank in the country, Mothers’ Milk Bank California, in conjunction with our dedicated program, Mothers’ Milk Bank California Cares, is unwavering in our commitment to providing vital support to these infants by ensuring their access to a precious resource: donated human milk.
As a distinguished healthcare institution with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), well-baby, and baby-friendly units, you are well aware of the critical importance of breast milk for premature and ill newborns. Breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition, offering a unique combination of essential nutrients, growth factors, and immunological properties that can make a significant difference in the lives of your patients. However, not every baby is fortunate enough to have immediate access to their mother’s milk, especially in the fragile NICU environment.
Mothers’ Milk Bank California Cares, a program developed by Mothers’ Milk Bank California, is committed to providing comprehensive care. From our collection centers to hospital partnerships to outpatient services, we support the smallest patients at every stage of life. We are dedicated to the well-being of all babies in need. By connecting these essential components of care, we enhance collaboration, communication, and our commitment to ensuring that every baby requiring donor human milk receives the necessary support.
1. Donor Milk Collection and Collection Centers:
We collaborate with several collection centers across California and beyond to carefully screen and approve donors to collect surplus breast milk. Each donation undergoes rigorous testing and quality assurance measures to guarantee safety and efficacy.
2. Pasteurization and Processing: Collected human milk is pooled and pasteurized to eliminate any potential pathogens while preserving its nutritional value.
3. Distribution to NICUs: Processed milk is distributed to NICUs and baby-friendly units, ensuring that the babies who need it most receive this vital resource.
4. Outpatient Services:
Upon discharge from your hospital, we offer outpatient services by supplying donor human milk, ensuring continued nourishment for infants as they transition home.
We recognize that a NICU’s dedication to the highest standards of patient care is unparalleled. By partnering with Mothers’ Milk Bank California Cares, you can offer an additional layer of support to your most fragile patients. By providing access to donor human milk, you can:
We are eager to discuss how we can tailor our program to meet the unique needs of your hospital. Our team is prepared to provide support at every stage of implementation, from setting up the necessary infrastructure to assisting with outreach, education, and training.
By collaborating with Mothers’ Milk Bank California your hospital can be at the forefront of compassionate care for the most fragile lives. We would be honored to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further and explore how our partnership can make a difference in the lives of the families you serve.
Dr. Rachel Land, Clinical Neonatologist at El Camino Hospital and Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatrics – Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University, “Every ounce of donated human milk serves as a vital ingredient in nurturing preterm babies, empowering their growth and resilience in the NICU.”
Please feel free to reach out to us at (408) 638-2846 or Lourdes.Chicas@MothersMilk.org to arrange a meeting at your convenience. Together, we can provide a brighter and healthier future for the tiniest members of our community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work hand in hand with you and your esteemed institution to improve the lives of NICU patients.
Recognition Months
We encourage you to raise awareness and support for crucial health initiatives. Mark your calendars for the following significant events:
These events emphasize the importance of breastfeeding support, education, and addressing challenges faced by premature and critically ill newborns and their families worldwide.
We are committed to promoting these events and supporting maternal and infant well-being. Stay tuned for more updates and initiatives to foster a healthier community. To collaborate with us, please send an inquiry to community@MothersMilk.org.
Collection Center
Join us by providing vital nutrition to vulnerable infants by becoming a collection center for Mothers’ Milk Bank California. By partnering with us, your hospital can play a pivotal role in saving lives and supporting the health of premature and medically fragile babies. As a collection center, you’ll empower lactating mothers to donate their excess breast milk, which will undergo rigorous screening and processing before reaching infants in need.
Together, we can ensure that every baby receives the nourishment they deserve. Join us in this compassionate endeavor today. To collaborate with us, please send an inquiry to Maryann Allison, Collection Center Manager at maryann.allison@MothersMilk.org.
Research and Science
Discover the truth for yourself. Dive into the latest research on donor human milk and empower your decisions. Our commitment to transparency means you have access to the most current findings, allowing you to make informed choices for you and your loved ones. Don’t just take our word for it; explore the wealth of knowledge available and embark on a journey of understanding.
PMC PubMed Central | April 2023: Investigating donor human milk composition globally to develop effective strategies for the nutritional care of preterm infantsFrom the
American Academy of Pediatrics | June 27, 2022: Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk
American Academy of Pediatrics | January 1, 2017: Donor Human Milk for the High-Risk Infant: Preparation, Safety, and Usage Options in the United States
Baby-Friendly Initiative 2025
Mothers’ Milk Bank California is dedicated to supporting the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) by Baby Friendly USA. As part of our commitment to maternal and infant health, we collaborate with hospitals to implement the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” as mandated by California Health & Safety Codes §123367. This ensures that all hospitals with perinatal units adopt evidence-based policies and practices to promote breastfeeding.
By providing donor human milk, education, and resources, we help hospitals meet BFHI standards, enhancing the quality of care and supporting mothers and infants in achieving successful breastfeeding outcomes. Our efforts align with the Baby-Friendly Initiative 2025, aiming to foster new hospital partnerships and improve health outcomes statewide.