California's Donor Milk Demand Surges Following Legislative Change, Calls for More Donors

California's legislative change, AB3059, has significantly improved access to donor milk for medically fragile newborns, but this advancement has led to a 30% increase in demand that the current donor base cannot satisfy. Mothers’ Milk Bank California is urging eligible nursing mothers to donate, stressing the importance of community involvement in providing life-saving nutrition to vulnerable newborns promptly.

The Human Milk Bill, also known as AB3059, requires insurance coverage for medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk and eliminates previous obstacles for hospitals to distribute it. This policy represents a major progression in neonatal care, yet it has immediately caused a surge in demand for donor milk, putting a strain on the available supply. Jennifer Benito, CEO of Mothers’ Milk Bank California, emphasizes the critical nature of the situation, noting, 'Every ounce donated can mean the difference between stability and struggle for a newborn.'

To address the escalating need, Mothers’ Milk Bank California has launched new, more convenient donation methods, such as Saturday donor screening appointments, at-home milk pick-up services in certain counties, and various drop-off locations statewide. These efforts are designed to simplify the donation process for potential donors, tackling the urgent supply shortage that risks depriving some of California's most at-risk infants of crucial nutrition.

The value of donor milk is immense, particularly in California, where there were over 36,000 preterm births in 2023. It is essential not only for preterm infants in NICUs but also increasingly utilized in Well Baby and Postpartum units, where it has been proven to decrease feeding complications and enhance overall infant health. With the demand for donor milk on the rise, the effectiveness of AB3059 and the well-being of numerous newborns hinge on the altruism of nursing mothers who choose to donate.