Provincial Milk Bank
Pregnancy Care and Public Health
Provided by BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre (BCWH)
They assist women who want to donate their milk and those who want to access donated milk.
How to become a milk donor: Please review the milk donation requirements to determine eligibility. If eligible, complete this form or call 604-875-3743 to leave a message. A representative will return the call as soon as possible.
Do not attempt to drop off milk at a collection depot until the screening process has been completed. Once confirmed as an approved donor by the Milk Bank, contact the intended depot to confirm drop-off times and location. For those planning to use a courier service, contact the BC Women’s Hospital Provincial Milk Bank at 604-875-2424, local 7634, to confirm drop-off times and make courier arrangements before contacting the courier directly.
Mothers must ensure their own infant’s needs are met first. Due to the cost of screening, only those willing to donate at least 4–5 litres (150 oz) of milk by the time their child is 18 months old are screened. Donations may be provided in multiple smaller amounts or all at once. It is recommended that prospective donors collect approximately 50 to 60 oz before contacting the Milk Bank.
How to access donor milk: Pasteurized donor milk is provided to babies who need it the most. A prescription from a doctor or registered midwife is required. Hospitals may also order donor milk. Donor milk is provided to babies at no cost while in the hospital. After leaving the hospital, if donor milk is still required, a processing fee is charged. This processing fee helps to cover the costs of screening, testing, bottling and pasteurizing milk. The current cost for donor milk is $5 for 120 mL (4 ounces).
Milk supply depends on how many donors are available. If supply is low priority is given to providing milk for the sickest babies. Every baby using donor milk needs to have another feeding plan in case supply is low and donor milk cannot be provided. For more information, please visit the website.
604-875-3743
Public email: mbscreening@cw.bc.ca
Website: http://www.bcwomens.ca/our-services...
BC Women's Hospital - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3N1
Entrance 93, Desk #1
Cost: No cost or Private pay
Referral options:
- Physician or nurse practitioner referral
- Health professional referral
Associated Programs/Services
Also offered by BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre (BCWH):
Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!- Breastfeeding Clinic
- Newcomer Women's Health Clinic - Vancouver
- Families in Recovery (FIR) Program - Fir Square - Pregnant with Substance Use
Availability
Service area: Province-wide + show cities
Service Types Provided
Pregnancy Care
Ways to Access
- Includes the provision of goods
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.