In 2005, a group of visionary health care providers, hospital systems and public health leaders recognized a serious gap in infant care: access to safe, pasteurized donor human milk. This collaboration led to the founding of the Milk Bank, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit with a mission as powerful as it is precise: to significantly improve infant health outcomes and reduce infant mortality rates by providing access to donor milk, a life-saving resource for many newborns.
Now celebrating its 20th year, the Milk Bank has grown into a regional leader, supplying nearly 700,000 ounces of human milk annually to hospitals and families across Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and beyond. That translates to over 2 million feedings for the most vulnerable newborns — critically ill infants in neonatal intensive care units who often cannot tolerate formula or may not have access to their mother’s own milk.
“Human milk is the standard of care,” said Freedom Kolb, chief executive officer. “The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization all recommend it, especially for fragile infants in the NICU.”
Hospitals receive roughly 80% of the donated milk, but outpatient demand is increasing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Milk Bank has continued to meet the growing demand, ensuring that babies can stay home and out of the hospital, which is a win for families and public health.
To meet this growing need, the Milk Bank relies on around 150 new donors every month. This community support is invaluable. The screening process is similar to blood donation and includes lifestyle questions, a blood test (at the bank’s expense) and a review of medications. Donors often have surplus milk after their own infants have weaned or reached feeding milestones. Sadly, 10% of donations come from bereaved families — parents honoring the life of a child lost by giving other babies a chance to survive.
Yet, donor milk remains a relatively unknown resource. “People know about blood and organ donation,” Kolb said. “But not enough know about milk banking or the infant mortality crisis.”
Education and outreach are essential parts of the Milk Bank’s mission. They collaborate with hospitals, pediatricians, doulas, lactation consultants and public health organizations to raise awareness. They also partner with organizations like Versiti Blood Centers to provide convenient access points across the Midwest.
Financial support is just as vital as milk donations. As a nonprofit, the Milk Bank relies on philanthropic dollars to fund bereavement programs, workplace lactation initiatives and a Medical Relief Fund, which ensures that the ability to pay never dictates whether an infant receives the milk they need. Community support can make a significant difference in the lives of these infants and their families.
Despite challenges such as fluctuating birth rates and changing hospital protocols, the Milk Bank has consistently met demand for the past decade, even during the national formula shortage. With donor numbers on the rise, they are hopeful for the future.
“One ounce can change a life,” Kolb said. “It’s a message of hope. No family stands alone.”
For more information on becoming a milk donor or supporting the Milk Bank, visit themilkbank.org.
