Navigating the world of donor human breast milk for the first time can feel overwhelming. Many parents wonder, Why use milk from a woman I don’t know? Is this right for my child? Would baby formula be enough?

Those were the same questions on the mind of Janelle Washington of San Jose, California. Her baby, Michael, arrived nearly five weeks early in 2024 and was quickly admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). His tiny body rejected every formula given to him.

“I didn’t even know donor milk was a thing until the hospital staff suggested it. My hesitation was from not knowing who the donors were,” she recalled.

Today, families have access to the new Family Guide to Donor Human Milk, created to support parents as they make these emotional and practical decisions. Written by Dr. Rachel Land, MD, FAAP, Neonatologist at El Camino Health and Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University, the guide breaks down exactly how donor milk works and how to safely incorporate it into a baby’s feeding routine.

“I understand how daunting this world can feel at first,” said Dr. Land. “My goal is to offer families the knowledge and reassurance they need to make confident, informed choices about feeding their babies.”

“Why use milk from a woman I don’t know? Is this right for my child?“

Why Donor Milk Is the Next Best Option

Breastfeeding and human milk remain the gold standard in infant feeding and nutrition. Packed with crucial nutrients, antibodies, and immune-boosting components, breast milk supports the healthiest start possible for newborns. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life because of these unmatched benefits.

Baby formula attempts to mimic human milk’s nutritional profile, but it cannot replicate the living immune components and bioactive molecules found naturally in breast milk.

For some families, donor milk becomes essential. Premature babies often cannot breastfeed immediately, and many parents face additional challenges, such as lactation difficulties, medical conditions, or situations where the birth mother is not present. Donor milk can literally be life-saving.

This is especially important for Black families. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that premature births among Black women (14.6 percent) were about 50 percent higher than those among White (9.4 percent) or Hispanic women (10.1 percent). That means Black infants face disproportionately higher risks in the earliest, most fragile stages of life. Donor milk can help bridge that gap.

“Education helps families make confident, compassionate decisions,” said Jennifer Benito-Kowalski, Chief Executive Officer of Mothers’ Milk Bank California. “Dr. Land’s guide offers an approachable, science-based resource for any parent navigating early feeding choices.”

How the New Guide Supports Families

Many families struggle with the decision of whether donor milk is right for them. The new Family Guide to Donor Human Milk aims to simplify that journey with clear explanations, step-by-step instructions, and reassurance.

Milk banks are the next best option when birth mothers cannot provide their own breast milk. Donors are thoroughly screened using detailed questionnaires and blood tests, in accordance with the rigorous standards of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). After approval, donated milk is pooled, pasteurized in certified labs, and safely stored until a baby in need is identified.

“When you look at it, the benefits of breast milk can lead to the best success, considering the nutrition and antibodies. My baby is doing really well now because of someone’s generosity,” said Janelle, whose son is now thriving at 17 months old.

Families using the guide will learn how to identify trusted milk sources, understand feeding techniques, and store milk safely. It also encourages parents to stay connected with healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and support groups. The message is clear: No parent should feel alone in this process.

Donor Moms Make It All Possible

Donor human milk only exists because of mothers who give from their own abundance. For Latoya Rutherford Littlejohn, generosity began with her commitment to nourish her daughter, Aleyna, but quickly grew into something bigger. Even while exhausted, she kept pumping.

Before moving to another state, she cleared her freezer, sending milk directly to Mothers’ Milk Bank California. “I’m proud to be a milk warrior. I’ve donated 1,577 ounces of breastmilk. That’s over twelve gallons so that other babies can thrive too,” she said.

Janelle understands that impact firsthand. If not for donors like Latoya, her son’s health trajectory might have looked very different. Inspired, she now donates breast milk as well. “I wanted to do something in gratitude for the moms who were there for me,” she shared.

The hope is that this guide not only supports families but also raises awareness about donor milk as a safe, evidence-based option. On a larger scale, doctors and milk banks want to shift the national conversation on infant nutrition, especially for medically fragile babies, ensuring that all parents have access to the knowledge needed to help their children grow strong and healthy.