Human Milk Matters - Human Milk Cares

Human milk is rich in protective components that are essential for a baby’s growth, development, and long-term health—especially for those born preterm or sick.

Through the Human Milk Matters – Human Milk Cares campaign, we raise awareness about the powerful health benefits of human milk for vulnerable newborns. We highlight the unique nutritional value of a mother’s own milk, as well as the critical role of donor milk and human milk banks. Our goal is to inform parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the life-saving potential and lasting value of human milk.

Key elements of the campaign include:

Sharing evidence-based facts and information about human milk
Offering a behind-the-scenes look at human milk banks and the milk donation process
Presenting expert insights and recommendations
Highlighting personal stories from milk donors and former NICU patients
Emphasizing the importance of safety, EU regulation, and standardized practices
Explaining the role of milk fortification in meeting the complex nutritional needs of very preterm infants

Why Human Milk Matters: Expert Statements

We spoke with leading experts in nutrition, neonatology, neuroscience, and public health to explore the critical role human milk plays in the healthy development of newborns—especially those born too early or too small.

Watch our video interview with Professor Roy K. Philip, Consultant Neonatologist at University Maternity Hospital, Limerick, Ireland. In this discussion, he explains:

What human milk fortification is
When and why it is used
The different types of fortification available

Watch the video and explore our full playlist.

Human milk saves lives—our experts explain why. Browse these powerful quotes to discover how human milk supports the most vulnerable babies and why awareness matters.

May 19 – World Day of Human Milk Donation

Every year on May 19, we celebrate the World Day of Human Milk Donation to raise global awareness about the vital importance of donating human milk.

Each year, an estimated 13 million babies are born preterm—that’s 1 in 10 worldwide. For these vulnerable newborns, access to safe, donated human milk can be life-saving. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends donor human milk—especially for low birth weight infants—when a mother’s own milk is insufficient, unavailable, or contraindicated.

Why Donated Human Milk Matters

Scientific research shows that human milk offers significant short- and long-term health benefits for preterm babies:

Short-term benefits include:

Improved feed tolerance
Lower risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis
Reduced risk of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Shorter hospital stays

Long-term outcomes include:

Lower risk of cardiovascular conditions
Improved neurological development
Higher IQ, stronger language skills, and better academic performance

Human Milk Banks: A Lifeline for Preterm and Sick Newborns

Today, there are more than 750 human milk banks across 66 countries. Approximately 90% of all donated milk is sent to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to support preterm or critically ill infants. Donor milk also helps families after hospital discharge, providing essential nutrition until a mother’s own milk supply is established.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every human milk donor around the world. Your generosity saves lives.

Let’s spread the word—donating human milk matters.

Voices of Milk Donors: Helping Babies Thrive

“I’ve seen so many friends struggle with making enough milk for their babies, so when I was blessed with an oversupply of breast milk, I knew I wanted my excess to help the babies who needed it the most. It’s so rewarding knowing that my daughter, and so many other babies, are benefiting from my breast milk.”

– Hannah

“There are so many rewarding aspects to this journey. I adore being able to help so many babies and be a part of their stories in a meaningful way. I feel like I am part of something that is so much bigger than I could have imagined. I have also continued to breastfeed Emilio throughout this journey and plan to continue doing so!”

– Lani

Transparency

All content in the “Human Milk Matters - Human Milk Cares” campaign was independently developed by GFCNI and reviewed by external experts for medical accuracy. The campaign is powered by GFCNI.