We are proud to announce the launch of our pasteurized donor human milk program, offering a vital resource for premature infants. This program is one of only two donor locations in the state. We rely on donor milk for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) born too small, too sick or too soon. These infants benefit from an exclusive diet of human milk to support their growth and development – providing essential nutrients and offering protection against illness and infection, which is critical for newborns, especially those born prematurely or with illness.

“Community Medical Center is committed to enhancing neonatal care by providing newborns access to the best nutrition available. Thanks to the nurses and hospital leadership, our smallest patients have access to the lifesaving impact of human milk from moms throughout Montana,” said Dr. Kristin Veneman, a neonatologist and medical director of the NICU at Community Medical Center.

This program ensures that pasteurized donor breast milk is available for babies in need when a mother’s milk is unavailable or needs supplementation. The milk is sourced from carefully screened donors through a partnership with Northwest Mothers Milk Bank, a non-profit donor milk bank based in Oregon that provides pasteurized donor milk to the most vulnerable infants in the Pacific Northwest. The milk bank collects, analyzes, pasteurizes, freezes, and distributes donor milk, ensuring it meets the highest safety standards.

“Nurses at Community Medical Center knew there are women throughout Western Montana who want to donate, but the previous process was cumbersome,” said lactation nurse, Michelle Christopher. “We wanted to help make milk donation easier. Now screened donors can drop off their frozen milk at the hospital and we will keep it frozen and safe until it is transferred to the milk bank where they pasteurize the milk and return it to Montana.”

The pasteurized donor breast milk program launched this week. It will allow vulnerable babies at Community Medical Center a better chance to thrive with donated human milk. This program underscores Community Medical Center’s commitment to advancing neonatal care and supporting families during the crucial early stages of their child’s life.

If you are interested in becoming a donor, visit donatemilk.org.