Every Ounce Counts: Celebrating World Human Milk Donation Day

May 19th is World Human Milk Donation Day, a global recognition of the life-saving impact of donor human milk and the generous people who make it possible. At The New York Milk Bank (NYMB), we witness firsthand how every donated ounce becomes a powerful gift—providing fragile, premature, and medically vulnerable babies with the nourishment they need to not only survive but thrive.

Why Human Milk Donation Matters

Human milk is more than nutrition—it’s medicine. For premature and sick infants, donor human milk can mean the difference between life and death. It’s easier to digest, strengthens immunity, reduces the risk of infections, and supports healthy development.

But not every parent can produce enough milk. That’s where donor milk—and generous lactating parents like you—step in.

Every bottle of donor milk processed by NYMB is pasteurized, tested, and delivered to hospitals and families in need across the region. Your donation could be the reason a NICU baby gets stronger today.

Who Can Donate?

If you’re a healthy, lactating parent with extra milk, you might be eligible to donate! 

How to Become a Milk Donor

The process is easier than you think. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Fill Out the HIPAA-Protected Donor Screening Form
    Start your journey by completing our secure form here: nymilkbank.org/donate-your-milk

  2. Complete a Phone Screening and Online Application
    A member of our team will follow up to learn more about your health and milk supply.

  3. Submit Medical Forms
    We will ask for a note from your healthcare provider and your baby’s, confirming both are healthy.

  4. Blood Testing (Free of Charge)
    We will help you schedule a quick blood test to screen for a few standard infectious diseases. It is completely free.

  5. Start Donating!
    Once approved, you can drop off or ship your milk to us. We will guide you through every step.

Your Milk Has a Mission

As the only community based nonprofit milk bank in New York State, NYMB is proud to serve families and hospitals with compassion, care, and the highest safety standards. This World Human Milk Donation Day, we honor the incredible community of donors who make our mission possible—and invite new donors to join the movement.

Because every drop tells a story. Every donation changes a life.

Ready to make a life-saving impact?
Start your donation journey today:
https://nymilkbank.org/donate-your-milk/

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