Interested in Becoming a Donor?

Donors must be healthy, have a milk supply beyond their own infant’s needs and be willing to express and donate to the milk bank using the established collection protocols. Donors receive no payment or compensation for their donation, except the satisfaction that comes from knowing they have helped to improve the health of a fragile baby and bring relief to their families.

Donor Screening

Potential donors are selected by using a multi-step screening process. The regulated guidelines for milk donation are very similar to the screening process used by blood banks. The milk bank covers 100 percent of the cost associated with donating milk, including screening and shipping.

  1. Complete a phone screening by calling 757-668-MILK (6455).
  2. Complete electronic questionnaire.
  3. Have your blood screening performed at a nearby lab (at the Milk Bank's expense).
  4. Receive notification of milk donor approved status.
  5. Deliver your precious milk to the milk bank. If you are from outside the area, the milk bank will send you a cooler and arrange and pay for overnight shipping.

What happens to my milk after I donate it?

After frozen donor human milk is collected and thawed, it is pooled with the milk of other donors, then pasteurized to kill any bacteria or viruses. The milk is ready to be dispensed after a final testing step that ensures its safety.  

Legacy Donations

Donating your milk is a loving tribute that can contribute to your physical, emotional and spiritual healing. It may even save another baby's life. Some mothers donate the milk they already have stored in their freezers. Others begin pumping or continue the process of producing milk specifically to donate. We would like to make donating your milk as easy and comfortable as possible. If you are considering a legacy donation, please contact us for more information, support and guidance.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in 'sharing the health' by becoming a donor, please call 757-668-MILK (6455), or email to KDmilkbank@chkd.org to begin the screening process.