Preparing for donation: Acceptable and unacceptable milk storage bags

Once you move forward as a donor, we will send you complimentary breastmilk storage bags that are compatible for donations. However, if you would like to send in previously collected milk or use your own breastmilk storage bags or bottles on an ongoing basis, here are some guidelines:

Do's

• All milk must be stored in pre-sterilized breastmilk storage bags or plastic bottles that are transparent/clear on all sides.
• Place each pumping session in a clear or transparent bag designed to store human milk. Additionally, the stored milk must be frozen immediately after pumping, or placed in the refrigerator for no longer than 12 hours before freezing.
• Label your bags with the date (mm/dd/yy) and time (hh:mm) your milk was expressed. Once you have your assigned Donor ID, begin including the unique ID number on your milk bags. You do not need to retroactively add the Donor ID number to previously frozen milk.

Dont's

• Do not store milk intended for donations in:
  • Glass containers,
  • Ziplock bags,
  • Reused food containers (i.e., old dairy milk cartons, juice bottles, etc.),
  • Non-clear bags (i.e., Purity, etc.),
  • Oddly-shaped bags (i.e., Willow, Nanobebe, etc.), or
  • Twist-top bags (i.e., Kiinde, Tommee Tippee To-Go, etc.).
• Do not combine multiple pumping sessions into one milk storage bag.
• Do not fill your bags with less than 6oz of milk.

What kind of milk storage bags/bottles can I use?

All milk must be stored in breastmilk storage bags or plastic bottles that are transparent/clear on all sides. You may use any brand of storage bag/bottle as long as the container you choose meets the criteria above. If you have any questions regarding your milk storage containers, please let us know.

Why are twist-top, oddly shaped, or non-clear bags not accepted?

• Visual inspection of each bag is a necessary part of our receiving process, so we need to be able to see through each bag
• To prevent loss of milk in the pooling process
• To prevent injuries of our receiving team