Question 1

Is donor milk safe for my baby?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Donor milk from Northwest Mothers Milk Bank is very safe.Hospitals across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West region usepasteurized donor milk from NWMMB.

We follow strict screening and processing guidelines set by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). (https://www.hmbana.org/)These standards are based on guidance from the CDC, FDA, and the blood and tissue industries.

Here’s how we make sure milk is safe:

• Donors complete detailed medical and lifestyle histories 
 • All donors are blood tested for viruses that can be passed through milk 
 • Milk is gently pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses 
 • Every batch is tested by an independent lab before it's given to babies

We take every step possible to ensure safety and quality. Learn more about our safety process here.(https://www.donatemilk.org/safety-quality)

Question 2

Will my baby benefit from receiving donor milk?

Accepted Answer

Yes, human milk is the best nutrition for all babies—especially in the early days. Donor milk can be especially helpful during the time when your own milk supply is being established. For some babies with critical medical needs donor milk can make a big difference in their health outcomes. 
 
Talk with your baby’s healthcare provider or lactation consultant to see if donor milk is right for your situation. Every baby’s needs are different, and donor milk is often used as a short-term support.

Question 3

Why is there a limit on the amount of donor milk available to my baby?

Accepted Answer

We know how important it is to make sure your baby gets the best possible start, and we’re here to support you. Donor milk is a precious gift from generous parents in our community who’ve chosen to help others. While we work hard to encourage milk donation, it’s not an unlimited resource. 
 
Because of this, we prioritize babies in hospitals and those who are critically ill—where donor milk can be life-saving. 
 
Donor milk is typically intended for short-term use. Think of it as a bridge—something to help you meet your baby’s needs now while you work toward your long-term feeding plan. We're here to help support you during that transition.

Question 4

How do I get donor milk for my baby?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need a prescription from your baby’s healthcare provider (and possibly some additional documentation).

Visit our Outpatient Program page to see which program fits your needs and what is required from your healthcare provider.

Make sure to review our Notice of Privacy Practices as well.

Question 5

Where do I go to get donor milk?

Accepted Answer

Pasteurized donor human milk is available:

• Directly from Northwest Mothers Milk Bank in Tigard, Oregon. Donor milk can be picked up locally or shipped to families throughout the Pacific Northwest. 
 • From one of our Donor Milk Distribution Sites (https://www.donatemilk.org/milk-distribution-sites)

Our mission is to make access to donor milk easier for every family who needs it.

Question 6

Why is there a cost for donor milk?

Accepted Answer

While donated milk is given freely by generous parents, making it safe for babies requires many important steps. The processing fee helps cover:

• Donor screening and lab testing 
 • Pasteurization and safety checks 
 • Staffing, equipment, and community outreach

Every ounce of milk goes through careful handling to ensure it’s safe and ready for your baby.

Question 7

Will my health insurance cover donor milk?

Accepted Answer

Most insurance providers do not currently cover donor milk for outpatient babies, though there are some exceptions. NWMMB does not bill third-party insurers, but we can help you gather the paperwork you will need if you choose to submit a claim. 
 
However: 
 • Some babies have critical medical needs that meet insurance guidelines for receiving donor milk. A call to your insurance benefit helpline can provide that information. 
 • You may be able to use an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) to purchase for donor milk 
 • You can submit a claim to your insurance for possible reimbursement 
 • The billing code (HCPC) for pasteurized donor human milk is T2101

Question 8

Does NWMMB offer financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We want every baby to have access to the milk they need. If the cost is a barrier, please call us at (800) 204-4444—we’ll help you apply to the Community Care program (https://www.donatemilk.org/community-care)that best fits your situation.

For families facing serious medical or financial challenges, Evie’s Fund (https://www.donatemilk.org/evies-fund)may be able to help. Call us at (503) 469-0955 or toll-free at (800) 204-4444 to learn more and apply.

Question 9

Donor milk helped my family—how can I pay it forward?

Accepted Answer

We’re so glad donor milk made a difference for your baby. One of the most powerful ways to give back is by sharing your story—(https://form.jotform.com/80165826106151)your voice can inspire future milk donors and raise awareness about the importance of nonprofit milk banking.

If you're able to donate milk, we’d love to hear from you.(https://www.donatemilk.org/donate-milk) Many of our amazing donors once received milk themselves and choose to give back when they can.

You can also support families by making a financial donation. (https://www.donatemilk.org/donate-money)Every gift helps us provide donor milk to babies in need through our Community Care programs. Together, we can make sure more babies get the healthy start they deserve.

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