Why Donate Breast Milk?
For Me, Being a Milk Donor is Personal
By Charline Ogbeni, MSEd, IBCLC, Full Spectrum Doula, PAIL Advocate
Donating breast milk is a powerful and life-saving act that transforms excess milk into a vital resource for vulnerable infants. But, far too often, parents get rid of excess breast milk without realizing that this “liquid gold” could nourish and protect a vulnerable newborn.
Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition; rich in proteins like antibodies, hormones, and enzymes. The nutrients in breast milk can protect infants from infection, promote healthy brain development, and reduce the risk of severe conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) — one of the leading causes of death in premature babies.
Many lactating individuals who overproduce have the power to contribute significantly to the donor pool, directly supporting other families within their community while closing critical gaps in maternal and infant health.
Why is it important to donate breast milk?
Donor breast milk is especially important in addressing health disparities. For example, Black mothers have higher rates of preterm births and NICU admissions. However, they are often overlooked or denied access to this life-saving resource in hospitals where it’s available.
Many families can benefit from breastmilk that is presently available, but they aren’t given the chance because they do not check all the boxes.
According to research, access to donor breast milk is typically limited due to various systemic, structural, and historical factors. By increasing donations, we can help ensure equitable access to donor milk for all families, particularly those most in need.
In addition, increased donations could also create opportunities for families who may not fully meet the specific criteria for receiving milk donations in a hospital setting.
Racial discrimination during postpartum care can be a significant barrier to equitable lactation and infant feeding outcomes. Especially among Black and Hispanic mothers who remain in the hospital after giving birth.
In a system designed to calculate our ratio of worthiness, we can make the humane decision to give breastmilk to those who need it just as much.
Making the decision to donate to The Restoration Project
The Restoration Project (TRP) is a partnership between the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) and Kimberly Seals Allers. It’s the first national initiative focused on providing donor milk to infants who have lost their mothers due to childbirth-related deaths.
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) accredits donor milk banks that safely pasteurize and provide donor milk to premature, ill, or medically fragile babies. The collaboration of TRP and HMBANA will support the development of a nationwide network to collect and distribute donor milk.
Prior to donating to a local milk bank, you will need to complete health screenings and blood tests to ensure the safety of both the donor and recipient.
As a donor, you will become part of a compassionate community dedicated to making a difference. If you produce extra milk, your donation could potentially save a life and provide new opportunities for research and study on the benefits that can be harnessed from it.
In moments of crisis, your donation could be the reason a medically fragile baby survives. Every drop of milk donated is a step toward creating a healthier, more equitable world for infants and their families.
Charline Ogbeni is a proud NICU parent and the founder of Supporting Our Mothers Initiative, LLC, an organization committed to supporting the diverse needs of birthing individuals globally. With a background as a School Counselor, Charline is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), dedicated Lactivist, Full Spectrum Doula, and Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) advocate. Since earning her IBCLC credential, Charline has mentored aspiring lactation professionals and held key leadership positions, including Vice President of the New York Lactation Consultant Association, Secretary of the New York Statewide Breastfeeding Coalition, and New York representative for the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network. She also spearheaded the first Diversity and Equity Scholarship at the New York Lactation Consultant Association, ensuring future generations of diverse professionals have pathways to success. In March 2024, she opened a Breastmilk Depot in Queens, NY, marking a pivotal step in her mission to improve and she is now passionately working to establish the nation’s first Black-owned HMBANA Milk Bank. Alongside this, Charline is collaborating on the development of a Birth Center in Queens, NY, to provide holistic and supportive birth options for local families.
Follow her on Instagram at @somiclients and @birthbyQueens.
