The collection center at the Providence Pavillion for Women and Children Family Maternity Center helps nourish fragile newborns and invites community milk donations.
There is an alternative to baby formula that is far more nutritious: milk from a human milk bank. A donor milk bank is a service established to collect, screen, process and distribute donated human milk. The Pacific Campus Milk Bank Depot utilizes donor milk in its advanced NICU and contributes to broader collection efforts. With the demand for donor milk rising 30% in 2025, driven by California’s AB3059 and a growing national focus on equitable neonatal care. The effort reflects Providence’s commitment to providing exceptional care to the region’s most fragile patients.
Share the wealth with breast milk donations
Just like blood banks screen donors, donor milk banks accept milk from lactating mothers who have had careful screening. The donor milk is sent to a central milk bank for processing, where it is made available for purchase by hospitals and individuals for feeding sick and fragile infants.
Located on the main floor of Providence Regional Medical Center’s Pacific Campus, the Mothers’ Milk collection site provides an easy and secure drop-off point for approved donors. It also offers vital lactation support and resources to both NICU families and the local community. Milk collected in Snohomish County is securely shipped to Mothers’ Milk Bank for processing and distribution to hospitals and families nationwide.
Donor requirements
Consider helping sick and fragile infants by donating your extra milk. The Human Milk Depot at Providence Regional can help send your milk where it is needed most. If you meet the requirements below or need more information, give us a call. We will guide you through the screening and donation process.
Milk donor requirements:
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Donor's baby is less than one year old
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Is in good health
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English or Spanish speaking
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Non-smoker and no use of any nicotine products
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Negative blood test for viruses (prenatal results are not used)
- All donors have small amount of blood drawn, free of charge
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Has used no medications during the time milk is collected for donation, except:
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Vitamins and minerals, food supplements
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Progestin-only birth control
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Replacement hormones: insulin, thyroid
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For more information about human milk banking in the United States, visit hmbana.org.
To become a milk donor, visit Northwest Mothers Milk Bank.
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If you need a gynecologist, women's health specialist or primary care doctor, Providence Swedish is here for you. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Providence Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction, and follow up as needed. If you need to find a doctor, use our physician directory.
Related resources
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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