Human Milk Matters - Human Milk Cares

Photo of a baby and the text: human milk is the best solution for preterm and sick newborns

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.

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

Infographic on Human Milk Banks. A sanitary place to collect, store and distribute pasteurized human milk. Intended for babies born preterm, who cannot be fed their own mothers' breastmilk. Professionals analyse donor milk to make sure it is safe and suitable. Provide their service free of charge for families who need it by medical indication

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

Photo and quote of a mother, whose baby received donor milk and who later on had enogh breast milk to donate as well

“Until shortly before Lina was born, I wasn't even aware that human milk banks existed. When I was asked whether my daughter could receive human milk from the milk bank when my own milk was insufficient, I didn't have to think about it twice and agreed immediately.

Once I had more than enough milk myself, there was no question in my mind about donating some of my milk. Lina benefited so much from donor milk, I was very happy to be able to give something back and to support other preemies a little during their difficult start in life.”

- Christina

Human milk donor and mother of Lina (donor human milk recipient),

Milk bank Munic Clinic, Germany

photo and quote of a mother who donated breastmilk

“James was a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) baby. During his hospital stay, I learned about some of the critical health complications experienced by some NICU babies and the lifesaving impact breast milk can have. Once I established a surplus in my milk supply, I knew I wanted to become a milk donor. If I could make a difference for even just one premature little one through donation, it would be worth it. I am very proud of this and love knowing that my breast milk has saved or improved the quality of life for NICU and premature babies.”

- Jackylou

Human milk donor and mother of a NICU baby, USA

photo and quote of Lisa, who donated breast milk, and the reference to world day of human milk donation

“I donate breast milk because I firmly believe that women should empower and support each other, especially during the challenging time of motherhood. As mothers, we are often confronted with many questions and insecurities, and it is rewarding to know that we can help each other. This support starts with the milk.

The saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is a perfect description of the importance of community and solidarity. For me, deciding to donate breast milk is a way of being part of that ‘village’. It is a way of helping other mothers and their babies through difficult times and providing them with the valuable nutrients that my milk offers.

I am happy to have the opportunity to make a small contribution through my donation and, in doing so, to improve the well-being of other families. Ultimately, it is not just a donation, but a sign of solidarity and mutual support among women. Together we can achieve a lot!”

- Lisa

Human milk donor and mother of Felix (birth weight 1820 grams),

Milk bank Munic Clinic, Germany

photo of a mother who donated breast milk

"As a NICU nurse, I have witnessed the benefits of human milk over and over again. There are so many tiny and fragile babies who desperately need the immune support and nutritional components of human milk that formula does not provide. After Kaia was born at 36 weeks and spent some time in the NICU, I found myself with an oversupply. Donating to NICU babies was the first thing I wanted to be a part of. My goal is to pump and breastfeed Kaia until she is at least one year old, which is an achievement I was able to accomplish.”

- Jessa

Human milk donor and mother of Kaia (born at 36 weeks), USA

“I work as an emergency room and intensive care unit nurse and am completing a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner.

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

Human milk donor and mother of four, USA

photo and quote of Jessica, saying that milk banks are open, responsive and transparent

“I am currently taking care of my son, Wyatt, and finishing my PhD in psychology. I started my career focused on serious mental illness, but because of my fertility journey, I changed focus to fertility and women’s health.

When Wyatt was born, I had no idea what a ‘normal’ milk supply was. He wouldn’t latch and I became so engorged that I was in a lot of pain, so I started pumping to alleviate the pain. I became obsessed with creating a freezer stash. Next thing I knew I’d filled our house freezer. That’s when I realized that I made more [milk] than we would ever need. I immediately found the milk bank to be very open, responsive, and transparent.”

- Jessica

Human milk donor and mother of Wyatt, USA

“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

May 19 – World Day of Human Milk Donation

Infographic describing the benefits of human milk, including reduction of infections and diseases, support of organ development, reduced length of hospital stay, lower risk of cardiovascular disorders, better neurological outcomes

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.

A thank you to all donors

“Many thanks to the donors for their breast milk, which my babies received in the beginning when I did not have any breast milk of my own.

We greatly appreciate that this option is available and that my babies were able to receive donated milk.”

- Chantal

Mother of quadruplets, Germany

More Information on Human Milk

Infographic on breastmilk donation: You can donor breastmilk, when you are in good health and you produce more milk, than your baby needs. Your local hospital, a nearby certified milk bank, or an IBCLC may be able to help you if you want to donor your breastmilk

Infographic stating the need for human milk is growing, especially for preterm babies. You can help if you produce more milk that your baby needs. The screening of donor milk is very safe and you can even drop off breastmilk contactless. Become a milk donor

Infographic showing that donated breast milk is always tested for bacteria and germs in a laboratory. Then, the donated breast milk is stored in a freezer at minus 20 degrees. With this method, raw donor milk can be kept for up to six months.

Infographic on fortification of human milk. The milk fed to preterm or low birthweight babies may need additional nutritional supplements to adequately support their healthy development. This supplement is called a fortifier which is added to mom's milk. Fortified human milk will provide the baby additional calories, proteins, minerals, vitamins and trace elements.

Infographic on human milk banks in Europe. There are currently 226 human milk banks operating in 28 European countries.

Infographic on pasteurization of human milk. Since donor human milk is usually provided to infants who are most susceptible to infection, pasteurization is one method to reduce the risk of infection by eliminating pathogens and viruses.

Infographic on the role of human milk banks. Human milk banks play an essential role by providing human milk to infants who would otherwise not be able to receive human milk. The largest group of recipients are preterm and sick babies who derive very substantial benefits from it. Human milk protects babies from necrotizing enterocolitis and fom sepsis, two devastating medical conditions.

Infographic on human milk donors. Screening and supporting human milk donors includes checking the donor's general health status, while being aware that human milk is a biologically active fluid (which brings benefits but also bears risks), ensuring the donor has excess milk that her baby does not need to donate, doing blood tests to check for HIV, hepatitis B and C, HTLV, and syphilis, asking questions about the donor's medical history and lifestyle, instructing the donor on how to express, store, and, if required, ship, breastmilk hygienically so the donated milk arrives uncompromised at the human milk bank.

Infographic on who gets the donated human milk. About 90% of human milk donated to milk banks goes out to hospital NICUs for preterm or sick babies to use. The rest of the donor milk is given out to families who have already been discharged, but still need some human milk until the mothers' own milk comes in.

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.

Quote card of an expert: Donor human milk bridges the preterm nutritional gap while establishing mother's own milk volume. Salute donors for every drop that counts

Expert statement: Human milk is particulary important for preterm babies in the NICU. When a mother cannot breastfeed, however, the best alternative nutrition for the development of a preterm baby is pasteurized donor milk. This is why I support human milk banks

Expert statement: The importance of human milk for preterm infants is globally recognized and mother's own milk (MOM) is considered the optimal first choice. However, mothers of preterm infants may experience difficulties in feeding their newborn due to a variety of reasons, including lactation difficulties. Donor human milk can therefore be considered a 'liquid bridge' in terms of infants feeding

Expert statement: When preterm babies receive human milk fat, they gain weight and increase length. These additional calories and important fatty acids help to improve the development of their lungs, eyes, brain, and other organs

Expert statement: Human milk banks play an important role in providing optimal nutrition for babies who cannot be breastfed, by collecting, processing, and distributing donor human milk to those in need. This donated human milk is usually preserved by holder pasteurization, which is considered to be the gold standard ensuring microbiology safety and nutritional value

Expert statement: Human milk contains Oligosaccharides (HMO) - a functional sugar, which supports the development of the immune function and protects a premature baby against dangerous infectious diseases. The composition of HMOs changes during pregnancy. So if a premature baby needs to be fed wiht donor milk, providing donor milk of a comparable maturity level, would be the best choice

Expert statement: Providing mother's own milk for a preterm, sick or low birthweight baby can be challenging. However, mother's own milk is the best choice to improve your baby's health, growth, and development. The neonatologist, midwife and carers can advise and support you with breastfeeding or with giving expressed breast milk to your baby in the NICU. Alternatively, donated milk from another woman can be an option

Why Human Milk Matters: Interview with a Consultant Neonatologist

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.

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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.