Donating Breast Milk to the National Human Milk Bank
Breast milk is not only an optimal source of nutrition for infants and preterm babies; feeding with breast milk is also intended to improve infants’ medical outcomes, as it contains unique components that support immune system development, promote brain development, and enable optimal growth.
In emergency situations and in cases where breast milk is not available for infants—such as evacuation to a hospital as unidentified patients, or when the breastfeeding mother has died or is injured—the Ministry of Health will refer medical teams to obtain donated milk from the National Human Milk Bank.
More information about the National Human Milk Bank of MDA
Referral to the human milk bank is also made when an infant cannot consume formula due to allergy or intolerance, for infants up to one year of age who have been injured and require support for recovery (based on medical discretion), and in any medical condition requiring breast milk, such as oncological conditions, with special medical approval.
Who can donate breast milk?
Women who wish to donate breast milk must meet conditions that ensure their eligibility as donors, their ability to donate without harming their own biological infant(s), and the safety of the expressed milk. Minimum eligibility criteria include:
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1Passing blood tests
Similar to the tests required for blood donation eligibility, such as HIV and hepatitis.
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2Compliance with pumping, cleanliness, and hygiene requirements
These requirements help ensure the donor mother’s ongoing eligibility over time, as well as the safety of the expressed milk. Information on recommended cleaning procedures can be found on the milk bank website.
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3Using an appropriate breast pump that does not compromise milk quality
A new personal breast pump, or a rented or used pump from the following approved models only: Symphony (Medela), Elite (Ameda), Platinum (Ameda), Pearl (Ameda), Bliss (Ardo), and Carum (Ardo). Pumping with any other type of pump is not approved, even if the pump or its parts are new, as it may transmit diseases and infections between mothers. The donor must maintain hygiene and ensure the pumping equipment is sterilized before each pumping session for the milk bank.
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4Safe storage
Donated breast milk goes through a long process before it reaches preterm infants and babies who need it, which is why it must be expressed and stored under very strict conditions. These rules do not apply when a mother is pumping milk for her own child, but they are essential when breast milk is provided to other infants as a donation.
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5Lifestyle
There are lifestyle conditions that may prevent a woman from being eligible to donate breast milk. It is important to emphasize that this does not mean she cannot breastfeed her own infant or that her milk is “not good.” This is similar to how healthy individuals may sometimes be ineligible to donate blood for various reasons; the same applies to breast milk donation.
The donor must avoid smoking or exposure to any form of smoke, including marijuana used for medical purposes, limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day, practice protected sexual activity, and maintain a balanced diet. In addition, the donor and her partner must have tested negative for HTLV, HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and syphilis.
Note
Note
For full details about eligibility for breast milk donation, and in any case of uncertainty regarding donor eligibility or additional questions, you are welcome to contact: milkbank@mda.org.il
For the full eligibility criteria and to check whether you are eligible to donate breast milk
Donating Breast Milk Online Can Be Dangerous
When breast milk is donated through the internet or social media, there is no control or oversight of the donor’s background. Donors are not screened, and the milk is not pasteurized. As a result, unregulated milk may be unsafe for preterm infants and can expose them to medical risks for several reasons:
- Unknown donor background: In many cases, it is not possible to verify the donor’s identity or personal details (if provided), or to know their lifestyle, health status, or whether they use medications or harmful substances. Without complete medical information, there is a risk of transmitting infectious diseases that may endanger premature infants receiving the milk.
- No screening process: In a professional, certified milk bank, each donation undergoes screening tests for viruses, infections, and toxins. Online donations are not subject to any such oversight.
- Improper storage and handling: Food contamination, common in any kitchen environment, can enter milk during expression. Without supervision, there is no reliable way to ensure that donated milk is stored properly to prevent bacterial growth.
- Lack of regulation: Unlike official milk banks, online platforms are not subject to medical regulations and oversight that protect consumer health.
Therefore, despite the importance and generosity of donors, it is strongly recommended to use professional, regulated milk banks that adhere to strict medical standards.
Breastfeeding? Come donate breast milk
The Ministry of Health encourages any mother who is able and willing to donate breast milk to do so through the National Human Milk Bank, which ensures that all donations undergo a screening process so they are safe for infants. If you are able and willing to donate, please contact the National Human Milk Bank using the following channels:
- Email: milkbank@mda.org.il
- WhatsApp: 052-6344101
- Phone: 073-2630200