How can I ensure my donation process goes smoothly?
- Deferrals: Do not share milk from dates marked as deferrals (due to meds, alcohol, or missing health info). Contact MAMMB if unsure.
- Bundle Milk: For safe, easy transport, group bags into gallon ziplocks (bricks) or tie them in grocery bags.
- Label Bags: Use permanent marker to write your donor number and full date (MM/DD/YYYY) on each bag/bottle. If frozen without a donor number or year, label the outer bundle instead.
- Label Bundles: If possible, add a date range on each bundle to help with sorting.
- Health Updates: Notify us of any new medications or changes to dietary restrictions. Your chart, not bag labels, determines eligibility.
- Red Stars = Alcohol: Bags with red stars are assumed to be collected within 12 hours of alcohol use and will be discarded.
- Milk Dates: We accept milk up to eight months old (from pump date), ensuring it can be processed before its 12-month expiration.
- Shipping: Overnight shipping is costly but keeps milk frozen. If possible, ship larger amounts at once to save on cost and improve freezing retention.
Why do you need medication dates if I pumped and dumped?
Even after you stop taking a medication, traces can remain in your milk. How long depends on the drug’s properties. With the medication name and dates, we can determine how long it stays in your milk.
Why do you need medication dates from before I plan to donate?
We track medications from around your delivery date, or one month before your oldest saved milk, to account for how long the drug may remain in your milk. This helps us verify eligibility without needing to revisit these questions later.
Will my provider send you a medication list?
We request a list from your OB provider, but it may be incomplete and doesn’t include meds taken after discharge. That’s why we ask you directly during the screening process.
How much milk should I share for my first donation?
You should share at least 50 ounces for the first donation. You’re welcome to send more based on your freezer space, how much milk you’ve saved, and your baby’s needs.
Note: We wait 2-3 weeks for culture results before accepting another shipment, so plan your box size accordingly if freezer space is limited.
Why is my milk tested for bacteria, and what does it mean for me?
Bacterial cultures help ensure safety for medically fragile babies, especially preemies, who often receive donor milk. While pasteurization kills most bacteria, certain types like Bacillus can survive and even grow under heat.
If bacteria is found, is my baby at risk?
No. Healthy babies can tolerate more bacteria than medically fragile ones. Your milk is still safe for your own baby.
Can I donate again if bacteria is found?
Yes, in most cases. You may just need to adjust your collection or storage process. Milk with bacteria is discarded and can’t be returned.
How can I reduce bacteria in my milk?
Wash hands, clean pump parts thoroughly, and limit exposure to contaminants.
Why do results take 2 – 3 weeks?
Samples are sent to an outside lab in batches. Timing also depends on which milk batches are being prioritized for processing based on age.
What size box should I request?
- XS: 50–125 oz
- M: 150–275 oz
- L: 250–350 oz
- XL: 350–450 oz
Tips: Choose a box close to your donation volume; fuller boxes freeze better. If you plan to make multiple donations, your milk is not close to eight months old, and you have the freezer space, please consider shipping a larger amount all at once rather than several smaller boxes. This gives the milk a better chance of staying frozen and saves considerably on shipping.
How do I pack my box?
Bundle your milk before placing it in the box and fill any empty space with crumpled paper or plastic bags. Cover with the foam lid (don’t tape it), place the completed Illness and Medication form on top, then seal the box and attach the return label. If you’ve lost the paper form, it can be downloaded for FedEx here or UPS here. If dropping off at the shipper’s facility, call ahead to confirm the overnight truck departure time. More tips are included in the form inside your box.
How do I ship my box?
Contact the shipper at least one day before your planned shipment using the enclosed form’s instructions. To have shipping costs covered by us please follow the shipping steps on the paper form included in your box. If you’ve lost the paper form, it can be downloaded for FedEx here or UPS here. Please make sure to contact the shipper matching your shipping label. Ship only on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to ensure delivery during business days.
What if I am dropping off at the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank?
Contact us during business hours at 412-281-4400, option 3, or email donate@midatlanticmilkbank.org to schedule a drop-off between 9am – 4pm. Early or late arrivals may be arranged by speaking with a donor screener. We also offer a morning drop-offs during our Second Saturday Drop Off. Complete the online Illness and Medication form before arrival. Parking is available on the street or in our lot. Call us at arrival for help unloading or drive to the backdoor and remain in your car for assistance. Please avoid parking in the neighboring paint store lot. For trips within an hour, milk stays frozen in a tightly packed picnic cooler; for shorter trips, an insulated bag is a great option. Bundling your milk helps us handle it efficiently.