Starting September 17, Skagit Valley Hospital will be an official Milk Drop location in partnership with Northwest Mothers Milk Bank (NWMMB). Milk Drops are convenient locations throughout the Pacific Northwest where approved donors can drop off their breast milk donations. The primary goal is to provide milk to hospitalized premature and ill newborns, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units, when their mother’s milk is not 100% available.

Breastfeeding rates in the Pacific Northwest are among the highest in the nation. High breastfeeding rates and a positive breastfeeding culture are essential foundations for a thriving community milk bank, making Skagit Valley Hospital an ideal host for Milk Drop. It will also help give local parents with excess breastmilk the opportunity to make a significant difference by helping another infant receive the best start in life. Those who have lost their babies can also make bereavement donations of breast milk.

To become a donor, eligible women must complete the donor screening process with NWMMB. To learn more about eligibility requirements and the screening process, visit https://www.donatemilk.org/donate-milk.

Frozen milk donations from approved donors will be accepted at the Family Birth Center at Skagit Valley Hospital every Tuesday from 2 – 4 p.m.

Skagit Valley Hospital is excited to be a Milk Drop location and, with our community, help fulfill the high demand for breast milk in the Pacific Northwest. If you have any questions about this program, you can visit DonateMilk.org or call our team at 360-428-BABY(2229).