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Northwest Mother's Milk Bank 

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In Montana, one in nine infants is born prematurely. Prematurity puts an infant at risk for infection, prolonged hospital stays, and lifelong health complications. For infants with compromised health, receiving a human milk diet is critically important in supporting their growth and development. When a mother’s milk is not 100% available, human donor milk is the next best feeding option.

In July 2024, Northwest Mothers Milk Bank (NWMMB) [donatemilk.org] assumed the operations of the Mothers Milk Bank of Montana, with a bold goal: to reinvigorate nonprofit milk banking across the state. Established in 2008 as a nonprofit organization, NWMMB’s mission is to improve the health and survival of vulnerable infants. As an accredited member of Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) [hmbana.org], NWMMB is committed to meeting the demand for donor human milk for Montana babies. To date, NWMMB has dispensed over 4.6 million ounces of safely pasteurized donor milk to infants in need.

NWMMB is raising awareness about the life-saving power of milk donation for fragile infants and building the infrastructure necessary to support safe and accessible donor milk.  In March, NWMMB marked a significant milestone— opening Montana’s first official Milk Drop site at St. Peter’s Health Regional Medical Center in Helena on March 21, 2025. Drop-off locations make it easy for screened mothers to donate milk, enabling them to have a profound impact in their communities.

The donation process comprises four steps, guided by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. 

  1. Interview: Applicants begin with a phone interview, during which questions are asked about overall health, medication /supplement use, and overall breastfeeding experience. 
  2. Complete the online paperwork: The next step is to fill out additional details about your medical history and lifestyle, and then sign the medical consent forms. 
  3. Blood work: The final step in the screening process involves completing blood work. Applicants will be screened for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. Northwest Mother's Milk Bank will coordinate and cover the costs of the blood work. 
  4. Make your donation: Once approved, donors may drop off their frozen milk at a nearby milk drop-off location. If there are no milk drops nearby, Northwest Mother's Milk Bank will send a container to ship milk free of charge. 

Once collected, donated milk is gently pasteurized and dispensed to hospitals across Montana, where it supports babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and family birth centers. Babies who are cared for at home but have ongoing medical needs can access milk through outpatient programs. To learn more about Northwest Mothers Milk Bank in Montana, visit their website at www.donatemilk.org [donatemilk.org].

Helena 
St. Peter's Health 
Infant Nutrition Program 
2475 E Broadway St. 
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 444-221 
Please call to schedule a drop-off
Missoula 
Community Medical Center 
2827 Fort Missoula Rd
Missoula, MT 59804
(406) 327-4219 

 Please call to schedule a drop-off

Interested in more information? Contact Northwest Mother's Milk Bank today.