Baby Loss Awareness Week: Milk Banks, Support Groups & More
This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week and it’s a time dedicated to bringing together people who have been touched by loss, both during pregnancy or after. Grief and loss are often seen as taboo topics, but they are a real and painful part of motherhood for some. Knowing that other mothers experienced a similar tragedy doesn’t make it easier, but it can make it feel a little less lonely.
This year’s theme is Wellbeing and focuses on how to support yourself, loved ones, and others in your community who have been impacted by such heartbreak. You can use #BLAW2021 on social media, wear a special pin badge, or light a candle on October 15th to commemorate the end of this special week and share your photos on socials to join the conversation.
We’re here to share some information and resources that you, or others, may find helpful or supportive for your wellbeing during this time.
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.
Support Groups and Services
These organizations offer informational resources and support for mothers, families, and loved ones impacted by baby loss. This list is not exhaustive, but you can find additional information on more groups and organizations below.
In the US:
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support has over 75 chapters in 29 states supporting anyone impacted by a loss
Resources and services such as bed-side companions, phone support, training for caregivers, support groups, and more
Star Legacy Foundation is dedicated to reducing pregnancy loss and newborn death and improving support and care for loved ones
Offering a national telephone support line, peer support, support groups, recommended reads, and more
For more support groups specific to your experience, you can check out this page here.
In the UK:
Teddy’s Wish is a charity supporting parents and families affected by stillbirth, SIDS, or neonatal death
Receive free care packages and mental health counseling
Miscarriage Association offers support and information for anyone affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy
Offers a live chat, call helpline, email service, and online support
Find more UK support here.
Globally:
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
Donating Breast Milk
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.
What are breast milk banks?
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. If babies are born premature, sick, or mom isn’t able to provide milk, milk banks help sure these babies receive nutritious, quality breast milk.
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.
Find a breast milk bank near you
Here are some helpful tools you can use to find a milk bank near you, whether you’re in the US, UK, or throughout Europe. Interested in receiving donor milk? You can contact milk banks near you and ask about their process.
In the US:
HMBANA has 31 member milk banks across the nation, and many provide service regionally or nationally so you don’t have to be close by. Overnight shipping is free. Use this easy tool to see which ones are near you.
Prolacta Bioscience Milk Banks includes two milk banks that offer compensation for donated breast milk:
Tiny Treasures Milk Bank pays you $1/oz of breast milk
Helping Hands Milk Bank pays $1/oz of breast milk to the Susan G. Komen® foundation for breast cancer
In the UK:
UKAMB has around 15 milk banks throughout the UK and you can use this helpful tool here to see which are close to you! Once you contact a milk bank, they will send you questions and a blood test. After approval, they send you special bottles to freeze your milk in.
Across Europe:
European Milk Bank Association has 280 milk banks across 29 countries in Europe, with 17 more planned. You can use this helpful tool here to browse banks in your specific country.
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.
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).