The Power of Breast Milk Donation: Nourishing Babies in Need

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish a baby, providing essential nutrients, immune-boosting properties, and unmatched bonding time. But not all parents can breastfeed, and some infants—especially those born prematurely or with medical conditions—depend on donated breast milk for survival.

That’s why the North State Breastfeeding Coalition’s Breast Milk Donation Drive on March 26, 2025, is such an important event. Butte County Public Health’s WIC Program is joining the effort as a donation site, helping collect and distribute this liquid gold to babies in need through the Mothers’ Milk Bank of San Jose.

Why Breast Milk Donation Matters

Breast milk is more than just food—it’s medicine for vulnerable infants. Babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) often rely on donated breast milk when their mothers are unable to provide it. Human milk lowers the risk of infections, supports brain development, and significantly reduces the chances of life-threatening conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which primarily affects preemies.

Even for full-term infants whose mothers experience low supply, illness, or other barriers to breastfeeding, donor milk can be the key to ensuring a healthy start in life.

Who Can Donate?

If you’re a breastfeeding parent with extra frozen milk, you can make a difference. Donors must meet health and lifestyle screening requirements and provide frozen breast milk that is no more than nine months old from the date of expression.

Pre-screening is available online at Mothers’ Milk Bank, making the process simple and accessible. Even as little as a quarter of an ounce of donated breast milk can be life-changing for a baby in need.

How to Participate in the Donation Drive

On March 26, 2025, parents can:

• Learn about breast milk donation and how it helps babies across California.

• Get screened to become donors and ensure eligibility.

• Donate frozen breast milk to be processed and distributed to infants in need.

Donation sites will be set up at WIC locations in Butte County, Redding, and Red Bluff, making it easy for local parents to contribute.

Giving the Gift of Life

As a breastfeeding advocate and doula, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of human milk on newborn health. Whether you’re an active donor or simply spreading awareness, your support for breast milk donation can help save lives.

If you have excess breast milk, consider becoming a donor. Your milk could be the difference between struggle and survival for a premature baby.

For more information or to start the pre-screening process, visit Mothers’ Milk Bank.

Let’s work together to ensure every baby gets the best start possible!