Here in Sacramento, we are fortunate to have one of only three human milk banks in Northern California. The Birth Center Milk Bank (located at The Birth Center in Fair Oaks) collects frozen breast milk from pre-screened healthy lactating mothers throughout the region. The Milk Bank then sends the milk to a company called Prolacta Bioscience in Monrovia, California where the milk is pasteurized, nutrients are added and each ounce is nutritionally labeled so doctors know exactly what each infant is being fed. The milk is sent to hospitals across the nation for use in the neo-natal ICU's to help the smallest of babies. Premature infants are fed the breast milk to help them grow faster and become healthier so they can go home with their parents. If you are a lactating woman you may look into donating your excess milk for premature babies who really need it. You can fill out an online application at www.milkbanking.net.
All donating mothers receive a FREE electric breast pump and all other supplies needed to donate.