Human Milk Bank

Our Human Milk Bank is the only one in the West Midlands, providing donor breast milk to our own neonatal babies, as well as to hospitals around the region and beyond. We offer donor milk to support mothers while they are establishing their own milk supply, or if they are unable to provide their own milk due to geographical separation or maternal illness.

We actively encourage and support our mothers to provide their own breast milk to their sick and premature babies, as research demonstrates a reduction in infection and other problems due to its unique composition and special anti-infective properties. This increases their chances of survival as well as helping their long term development.

Who can donate breast milk?

Mothers who have established breast feeding with their own baby and find they have surplus milk to their baby’s requirements. Enrolment as a donor must be before your baby is six months old and you can continue to donate until your baby is 12 months old. On initial contact the milk bank team will ask some general questions about your health and lifestyle, and the health of your baby. There are certain reasons which will exclude you from becoming a donor, such as smoking or taking certain prescribed medicine.

Blood tests are required to ensure infections or viruses will not be passed on via your milk. Although you will have blood tests during pregnancy, milk banks are required to take them again for their own records.

If you would like more information about donating or have any questions, please contact us on 0121 335 8245 or bwc.milk.bank@nhs.net.