HMBANA and its member milk banks are committed to ensuring that premature and other medically fragile infants receive safe, pasteurized donor human milk when maternal milk is unavailable. HMBANA is the sole authority and expert on the availability of donor milk.
Capacity and Growth
In 2024, HMBANA milk banks dispensed more than 11.6 million ounces of donor milk, a 9% increase over the prior year. Nearly one quarter of this volume was dispensed to outpatients as surplus, clear evidence that our network is operating well above current NICU demand. HMBANA Standards require milk banks to prioritize distribution to NICUs, ensuring that the most vulnerable infants are served first. HMBANA member milk banks’ continued year-over-year growth demonstrates the network’s ability to scale rapidly in response to increasing demand for donor milk.
Access
Donor milk is already available in over 92% of Level III and IV NICUs1. The current surplus, representing millions of ounces of milk, is more than sufficient to cover remaining hospitals that have not yet launched a donor milk program. Member milk banks serve all 50 states using safe, reliable shipping practices. While access has expanded significantly, some Level II NICUs and hospitals serving rural and marginalized communities have not yet started a donor milk program. Addressing these practice gaps is central to our mission.
Collaboration and Resilience
HMBANA milk banks collaborate closely, moving milk across regions to ensure infants have access to lifesaving nutrition. This growth has been achieved without the benefit of government-funded public awareness campaigns, such as those supporting blood banking. With greater investment and policy support, more progress is possible.
Supporting Mom’s Own Milk (MOM)
Mom’s own milk remains the optimal source of nutrition for every infant. Policy at the federal, state, and hospital level should support and protect breastfeeding. HMBANA supports staffing every NICU with lactation care providers, who improve lactation outcomes, decrease reliance on formula, and contribute to donor milk policy, bereavement support, and promotion of milk donation.
Formula Considerations
If preterm formula were unavailable, HMBANA’s current capacity, combined with mom’s own milk, is sufficient to meet needs. The small number of infants with metabolic or genetic conditions would continue to be supported by specialty formulas. HMBANA does not call for the elimination of preterm formula but does call for responsible use, clear warning labels, and an end to aggressive NICU marketing practices.
Our Commitment
All infants should have access to safe human milk. HMBANA and its member milk banks will continue to expand capacity, collaborate across regions, and advocate for policies that ensure equitable access. With the generosity of milk donors and the dedication of health professionals, we are confident in our ability to meet demand now and in the future.
1. Anstey E, Noiman A, Boundy E, Nelson J. Maternity care practices supportive of breastfeeding in U.S. advanced neonatal care units, United States, 2022. J Perinatol. Published online October 7, 2024. doi:10.1038/s41372-024-02139-3
