Banked human milk

Banked human milk

You may choose to give your baby banked human milk if you are not able to breastfeed.

Banked human milk is breastmilk donated by individuals who are currently breastfeeding their own babies and have an abundant milk supply. They donate their extra breastmilk to milk banks for babies who may need it.

Banked human milk is screened and tested for safety. It is pasteurized (heated to a high temperature) to remove any bacteria or germs that may be in the breastmilk. The banked human milk is then frozen for use.

Go to hmbana.org for more information.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education, Guide for the Care of Children: Ages Birth to 5, sixth edition, ped-ah-91554
First Published: 02/01/2010
Last Reviewed: 11/16/2022