By Ruth Maguire, Boobingit Founder & Breastfeeding Advocate
When I became a parent, one of the most powerful things I learned was that breastfeeding doesn’t just nourish your own baby – it can help others too. For many families, especially those with premature or unwell babies, donated breast milk can make a life-changing difference.
Over the years on boobingit.com, I have had the pleasure and privilege of sharing the stories of many incredible women who became breast milk donors. These inspiring women often became milk donors after their own babies received donor milk in neonatal care. Their generosity, strength, and commitment to helping others has shone a light on an often overlooked yet life-saving practice.
Indeed, still so little is known about human milk donation. Who donates? How does it work? Why is it needed? Many people have never heard of milk banks or don’t realise how vital donated breast milk can be for premature and vulnerable babies.
In honour of World Day of Human Milk Donation (19 May), this article offers a simple overview of what milk donation involves, why it matters, and how you can explore becoming a donor yourself.
Why Milk Donation Matters
Breast milk is uniquely tailored to support infant growth, development, and immunity. For babies who arrive early or face serious health challenges, donor milk can be a vital bridge when their parents are unable to provide their own milk.
Sadly, there are times when hospitals do not have any donated milk left to give babies in need. This is why World Day of Human Milk Donation is vital for raising awareness and increasing milk donations.
Who Can Donate?
Many donors are parents who are breastfeeding their own baby and find they’re producing more milk than needed. Others start pumping after their own baby received donor milk and they want to “give back.”
Eligibility criteria usually include being in good health, a non-smoker, and not taking certain medications. Milk banks typically accept milk from those with babies under six months, but requirements can vary.
Pumping for Donation
Donating milk requires regular expressing – and for that, having a reliable breast pump makes all the difference. Ardo offers a full range of breast pumps, from hospital-grade medical devices all the way through to convenient wearable options to suit different needs and stages of feeding.
From the Carum breast pump (a hospital-grade option ideal for establishing supply) to the Alyssa breast pump (a portable double pump with memory function) and the new Melia hands-free pump, there’s something for every journey. Ardo also offers trusted guidance and customer support to help parents feel confident and supported when using a breast pump to express milk.
How to Get Started
If you’re considering donation, speak to a midwife, health visitor, or reach out to your local milk bank. In the UK, the Human Milk Foundation and the UK Association for Milk Banking (UKAMB) are great places to find out more information about milk donation and locate your nearest milk bank.
A Generous Act That Saves Lives
Milk donation is a powerful, personal act of care. Whether you’ve experienced it firsthand or are just learning about it, your awareness and support help shine a light on this life-giving practice. And if you’ve ever thought about donating – know that your milk could make a world of difference.
About the Author
Ruth Maguire is a breastfeeding advocate, content creator, and founder of Boobingit.com—an online breastfeeding magazine dedicated to honest conversations around breastfeeding, pumping, and parenting. With a background in marketing and a passion for maternal wellbeing, Ruth creates accessible, evidence-informed content that supports and empowers new parents.
Through Boobingit and her consultancy work at The Nourish Consultancy, she champions better breastfeeding support in both healthcare and the workplace. Ruth is also the host of The Boobingit Podcast, where she interviews parents, professionals, and advocates about real-life feeding journeys.
