Why donate Milk?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a condition that most commonly affects premature and low birth weight infants. NEC causes inflammation and death of tissues in the infant’s lower intestine and colon. Many studies have found that the best way to prevent NEC is by feeding infants exclusively human milk. While mother's own milk is best, it isn't always available. That is where Southwest Mothers' Milk Bank comes in. By providing premature, medically fragile infants with pasteurized human donor milk, we play a key role in preventing NEC and other complications.
Most hospitals across the country only allow mother's own milk or pasteurized human donor milk coming from a milk bank accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) to be fed to hospitalized infants. As an accredited member of HMBANA, Southwest Mothers' Milk Bank helps to fill in the need when a hospitalized infant doesn't have their mother's own milk available. We also provide support to families within the community who need to supplement their infant's diet with donor milk. This supplementation can be needed for a variety of reasons including maternal medications, low supply, adoption, fostering, and so much more.
By donating to Southwest Mothers' Milk Bank, you can be assured that your excess breast milk will retain its quality and nutrients while going to infants in need in New Mexico and across the country. Our donors save lives one drop at a time.
Donor Screening Process
Initial Screening
Initial Screening
Initial Screening
Our initial screening can be completed in-person, over the phone, or online. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Application
Initial Screening
Initial Screening
Our application is typically completed online, but we have paper copies available if needed. It asks similar questions to the initial screening, but goes a little more in depth.
Provider Release
Initial Screening
Provider Release
Once your application has been submitted and reviewed, our staff will request a signature from the medical provider noted in your application. You don't have to do anything for this step.
Blood Work
Initial Screening
Provider Release
After your provider has signed and returned the provider release, you will receive an email with everything needed to get your blood drawn. We pay for this step, so you just need to go in and have your blood drawn. After 3-4 business days, your results will be finalized and you'll be ready to start donating.