How Donating Breastmilk Can Help With Grief After Baby Loss

The loss of a baby is a heartbreaking experience that no parent should ever have to endure. In the midst of grief and sorrow, some parents find solace in donating their breastmilk to help other babies in need. Donating breastmilk after baby loss is a gift of love and compassion that can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

We’ve partnered with The Milk Bank to bring you more information about donating breast milk after loss.

If you've experienced a loss, our hearts go out to you completely. We see that pain and we know no one can take it away or feel it in the same way as you. Please know that you deserve all the time you need to move through it, and only you get to decide what that looks like or how long it takes. We’ve shared support and resources for baby loss here.

What are breast milk banks?

If you have experienced a loss later in pregnancy or after birth, and are producing breast milk, you may be able to donate it to those in need. Milk banks help provide this incredible superfood to babies who aren’t able to get it from their mothers.

Human milk banks, or breast milk banks, are organizations designed to collect breast milk from mothers who have extra to donate and distribute it to those in need.

The benefits of breastmilk donation

If babies are born premature, sick, or the mother isn’t able to provide milk, milk banks help sure these babies receive nutritious, quality breast milk.

Breastmilk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting properties that help protect babies against infections and diseases. It also promotes healthy growth and development, reduces the risk of chronic health conditions, and fosters emotional bonding between mother and baby.

Breastmilk donation can be a lifesaving gift for babies who are born prematurely, have medical conditions, or whose mothers are unable to produce enough milk. It can provide these babies with the nutrients and antibodies they need to thrive and grow.

How donating breastmilk can help with grief after baby loss

Breastmilk donation after baby loss can be a source of healing and comfort for parents who are grieving. It can provide a sense of purpose and meaning during a difficult time and help parents feel like they are making a positive difference in the world. Breastmilk donation can also be a way for parents to honor the memory of their baby by giving the gift of life to other babies in need.

Donating filled my heart with such excitement and joy because I knew I was helping these fragile little preemies in honor of my sweet son.

~ A Milk Bank patron on donating after the loss of her son

Is donated breast milk safe?

Organizations like HMBANA in the United States and UKAMB in the United Kingdom set guidelines to help ensure banks collect, test, and pasteurize milk properly in order to ensure absolute safety. Check with the milk bank you’re interested in receiving breast milk from and ensure you’re comfortable with their safety processes.

Can anyone donate breast milk?

Milk banks have varying eligibility and screening processes, so it’s always best to check with each milk bank specifically as not everyone is able to donate. Apart from being in good health, here are few requirements many banks have in place:

Only using approved medications and no herbal supplements

Meets the minimum donation requirements
Doesn’t smoke, use drugs, or drink more than specified

Often there are more requirements to be met, so it’s best to directly contact a breast milk bank near you to understand if it’s right for you.

How donating breast milk works

With The Milk Bank, the process is made easier. The donor will complete a quick 1 minute pre-screening, followed by a health care questionnaire and blood test. You’ll then be able to start donating and can either drop breastmilk off at a drop off location or ship it to The Milk Bank. If mama doesn’t want to do the full screening, they can choose to donate their breastmilk directly to research. All of the costs are covered by The Milk Bank.

You can find more breastmilk banks here.

There is no right way to heal from such a tragic loss, but we hope these resources offer some support and help you feel a little less alone. If you're looking for a resource and not finding it here, please leave us a comment below or send us a private email and we will do our best to get you the support you need during this time.

Support and resources for baby loss:

International Stillbirth Alliance, or ISA, is a combination of groups and organizations bringing awareness to stillbirth and advocating for research

Various support resources for parents and families, as well as information about current stillbirth research

Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support, or SANDS, is a UK-based charity with chapters around the world supporting anyone affected by stillbirth or newborn loss

Provides information on local support groups and advocacy

If you’re struggling with mental wellbeing, SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free, confidential, 24/7, and 365 days a year in both English and Spanish, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Fin more support and resources here.