Donate Breast Milk and Help Save Lives
Breast milk is considered an optimal form of nutrition for infants. For medically fragile infants — such as those born prematurely or with serious health conditions — it’s more than that. Packed with the right balance of nutrients and antibodies, breast milk for the medically fragile infant can be life-saving medicine because it helps:
- Support babies’ developing immune systems
- Promote healthy brain and organ development
- Reduce their risk of serious infections or complications
For medically fragile babies, breast milk offers the best possible start in life — and you can be part of that healthy start by becoming a breast milk donor.
Donating breast milk with Missouri Baptist Medical Center and OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank
Missouri Baptist Medical Center works with OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank to accept breast milk donations from generous moms to benefit babies in newborn intensive care units and their families. In 2023, the milk bank provided more than 11,000 ounces of donor breast milk to medically fragile babies at MoBap.
Your hard work pumping breast milk can save lives — but we also understand how busy your life can get when you’re a new mother. That’s why we’ve teamed up with OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank to make donating your extra breast milk as easy as possible. They’ll provide you with everything you need to donate — at no cost to you.
How do I become a breast milk donor?
The screening process for OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank is a vital step that ensures healthy and safe milk for medically fragile babies. The process takes approximately 28 days. Here’s how to get started:
- Email OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank at [email protected] or call 614-566-0630. They will screen you to verify eligibility.
- Receive and read the OhioHealth Mothers' Milk Bank information packet.
- Participate in a medical and lifestyle history review.
- Complete a medical release form signed by you and your health care provider, for both you and your baby.
- Undergo a comprehensive blood test to screen for certain illnesses.
Once I’m approved to donate my breast milk, where do I drop it off?
You’ll receive directions on how to collect your breast milk from OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank. The milk bank asks each donor to donate at least 100 ounces over six months — about 16 ounces a month. Once you’re ready to drop off your first bags of milk, follow these steps:
- Schedule your milk drop appointment at Missouri Baptist Medical Center by emailing [email protected] (email subject line: Milk Bank Appointment request) or calling 314-996-5642. Milk drop appointments can be made 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday.
- Use our handy curbside service, or drop off your milk inside the entrance of Building D. Click here to view the wayfinding and parking map.
- If dropping off your milk at MoBap isn’t convenient, OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank can provide shipping containers at no cost to you.
Donate breast milk through our Legacy Program
For some mothers, honoring their baby’s memory through breast milk donations can bring comfort during a difficult time. We are available to help you connect with others through our Legacy Program and support you in this heartfelt journey.
Questions?
To find out more about our Legacy Program or to schedule a donation drop appointment, call 314-996-5642 or fill out the form below.