National baby formula shortage: woman donates breast milk

Heidenreich told the station: “Sometimes women can overproduce breast milk, and I was one of those overproducers. We just decided we could help other parents and babies along the way. There are parents that are very stressed out trying to find formula to feed their babies, and for moms who aren’t able to breastfeed, it’s a struggle of wondering where that’s going to come from.”

Heidenreich wrote on Facebook, after her last donation on Saturday: “Today was a big day. It marks the end of my pumping and breastfeeding journey. I donated the last of my breast milk to the Mothers Milk Bank of Iowa this morning. I have donated just over 45 gallons after my donation today.”

She added, “[It] makes me so happy to know I am helping the Mammas and Babies who need it. I have been so blessed to have the ability to donate.”

The Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa spokesperson told KCRG: “We’re experiencing an increase in milk donors who mention the formula shortage and their desire to help. They are remarkable and generous women. If moms have extra breast milk and feel they can donate it, there is a real need right now.”

To ensure the milk is safe to use, milk banks are accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. A health screening with a free blood test is required from the donating mothers.

The organization collects the milk, then “screens, pasteurizes, and tests it, and, finally, dispenses it to premature and fragile infants in need, either in hospitals or homes.”

The association encourages breastfeeding mothers to come forward and offer their surplus milk to other babies in need, with its website telling women: “You can save lives by donating your extra breast milk for use as pasteurized donor human milk.”