The Restoration Project

Human Milk Justice for Infants Powered by HMBANA & Kimberly Seals Allers

The Restoration Project (TRP) is the first-ever national safety net for infant feeding following a maternal loss.

A partnership between the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) and Kimberly Seals Allers, this initiative builds a nationwide network to collect and distribute donor milk to medically and economically vulnerable populations.

Over one dozen HMBANA nonprofit milk banks have agreed to become TRP partners with commitments to two powerful protocols:

A rapid response mechanism that guarantees TRP partner milk banks will immediately provide at least 7 days of donor milk to infants after a reported maternal death.
The first-ever nationwide milk donation network that enables qualified donors from anywhere in the U.S. to contribute surplus milk at a TRP-participating milk bank. Every ounce donated is tracked: it will either be processed and stored for future use, or—when an immediate need arises—an equivalent amount will be shipped directly to the impacted family (some restrictions may apply). This ounce-for-ounce commitment ensures a national safety net, relieving local communities from having to raise milk donations alone.

All milk is pooled, pasteurized, and distributed according to strict safety protocols maintained by HMBANA. By combining compassionate response with rigorous safety, TRP ensures equitable access to the best possible nutrition for an infant’s health and development, especially in a crisis.

“When an infant tragically loses their mother, the very least we can do is ensure they receive mother’s milk—the most powerful nourishment for their growth and immune system.” — Kimberly Seals Allers, Founder, The Restoration Project

Historical Context

Disparities in maternal health outcomes are rooted in the development of social and political structures that exist in the United States today – which stem from racism, classism, and gender oppression. Research suggests that socioeconomic and systemic challenges are especially linked to pregnancy-related death disparities among American Indian, Alaska Native, and non-Hispanic Black women.

A collaboration between the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) and Kimberly Seals Allers, The Restoration Project (TRP) ensures equitable access to donor milk while addressing historic structural barriers to breastfeeding and optimal infant nutrition.

By centering the needs of vulnerable infants and empowering communities, TRP provides an essential model for restorative justice in healthcare that offers tangible support to families in need, while fostering community healing and equity.

The Initiative

Through this innovative partnership, participating HMBANA milk banks have committed to a rapid response mechanism to immediately provide at least 7 days of donor milk to infants after a reported maternal death. Together, they also create a nationwide milk donation network that enables qualified donors from anywhere in the U.S. to contribute surplus milk at a TRP-participating milk bank.

"By leveraging the national footprint and strength of HMBANA’s nonprofit milk banks, we are creating a coordinated, compassionate response to maternal loss, to ensure that families navigating this devastating reality have access to the donor milk their babies need,” Lindsay Groff, Executive Director of HMBANA.

Why This Matters

Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. have risen, leaving more families to cope with the devastating loss of a mother during childbirth. This loss is not only emotional but also deprives newborns of their primary source of nutrition—breast milk.

Human milk is critical for infant health, especially for babies who are born preterm or medically vulnerable.

The Restoration Project prioritizes infants at the highest risk due to maternal loss, focusing on:

Infants whose mothers died as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
Infants in counties with high maternal mortality rates.
Infants from medically underserved areas with significant rates of maternal health disparities.
Infants eligible for Medicaid or from low-income households.
Preterm, low birth weight, and NICU-admitted infants affected by maternal loss.

How You Can Offer Support

TRP Milk Bank Commitment

Participating milk banks commit to:

Outpatient Dispensation: Milk is provided directly to families in need.
Rapid Response: Milk is sent within 24 hours of a family’s request.
Minimum Provision: At least 7 days of milk (approximately 30 oz/day) per infant.
Ongoing Care: For infants with medical needs, milk banks will bill insurance where possible and provide additional care as needed.

Become a Participating Milk Bank

Interested in joining us? Contact us to learn how you can become a participating milk bank.

Participating milk banks receive:

Amplified messaging on social media, increasing visibility and support.
Growth in milk donations to support vulnerable infants impacted by childbirth-related maternal loss.
Increased financial support through donations raised for TRP.
Recognition as leaders in equity and restorative justice.
Featured on the Black Breastfeeding Week website as partners in The Restoration Project.