Milk donors are the foundation of any milk bank. Without these special women, a breast milk bank, like the University of Iowa Children's Hospital Mother’s Milk Bank, could not exist. Through their generous gifs of milk, tiny babies have the opportunity to thrive and grow.

Are you one of these women?

To donate, you must be in good health, nursing, and willing to share extra milk. Donors must be willing to pump and store milk according to milk bank guidelines and willing to donate a minimum of 200 ounces of milk during the first year of lactation. Donors must be willing to deliver their frozen milk to one of our 3 Iowa sites (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City) by appointment. The MilkBank is unable to accept shipped milk.

Donors:

• Are non-smoking
• Are not taking medication including over-the-counter medications and large doses of vitamins (Some medications are acceptable: multi-vitamins, low-dose progestin-only or estrogen birth control pills, insulin, or thyroid replacement medicine.)
• Do not consume alcohol 12 hours before pumping milk to donate
• Are carefully screened including blood testing

Contact us if you are interested in donating.

Photo provided by Linda.

“Thank you so much for letting me participate in the Mother’s Milk Bank! I have so completely enjoyed breastfeeding my three children and it’s really made me happy to be able to extend that feeling by sharing milk with others. What a wonderful program to be a part of. I wish continued success to all of you who are involved.”

— Tina

“I am so glad to have been a part of the Mother's Milk Bank. When I read an article on preemies who received milk from the milk bank, I was moved to know that I was helping these little babies. Best wishes to all involved in the milk bank; you are doing a wonderful thing.”

— Maria