Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)

The Importance of breastfeeding and human Donor Milk (Human Milk Banks)

History of Milk Banking

“Over the last hundred years, breastfeeding and the use of human milk has been promoted by various groups. The emphasis on use of human milk including donor milk banking has waxed and waned throughout this time. Early in the twentieth century, milk banking blossomed and grew with increased use of donor milk for ill and premature infants. Mothers with abundant milk supplies were asked to provide milk for ill infants by either nursing the babies directly or expressing milk. With technological and hygienic advances, milk banks were established as collection and storage of milk was possible with the development of refrigeration and a greater knowledge of safe food processing. In 1909, the first milk bank was established in Vienna, Austria. By 1919, two additional banks opened - one in Boston and a second in Germany”  

About History of Human Milk Banking. Read More...

Did you know?

Just as blood saves lives so does human milk. At about the same time as the concept of milk banking was started so to was the comparatively new science from which blood transfusion was born. Thousands upon thousands of lives have been saved by receiving a blood transfusion. Recognizing the need for quality storage of rapidly perishable blood, the first blood bank was established. Read more... 

Sick infants and young children in many parts of the world can receive life saving normal food for human babies via donor human milk. International breastfeeding committees and organizations are working to increase knowledge of the importance of human milk donation (similar to blood donation) and to normalize this process for mothers, health care professionals, and the community.