Supporting families with safe, pasteurized donor breast milk in Metro East Illinois

When new parents in O’Fallon, Belleville, and throughout St. Clair County face breastfeeding challenges, they now have access to a vital resource that can make all the difference for their babies’ health and development. HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital has proudly opened the first breast milk bank depot and dispensary in St. Clair County, Illinois, providing families with safe, pasteurized donor milk when they need it most.

Meeting Critical Needs in Metro East Illinois

Located in O’Fallon, Illinois, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recognized a significant gap in maternal and infant care services throughout the Metro East region. Amanda Schaefer, MSN, RN, and Women and Infants Center Manager, explains the diverse situations that bring families to their milk dispensary: “They may struggle with low breast milk supply, they may be experiencing an illness or taking a medication that is hindering their ability to breastfeeding, or they may have had a child through adoption or surrogacy.”

This groundbreaking service serves families across Southern Illinois, including:

  • O’Fallon, Illinois – Primary location
  • Belleville and surrounding areas – Metro East coverage
  • St. Clair County communities – First and only dispensary in the county
  • Southern Illinois region – Expanding access to rural communities

Partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes

The milk depot and dispensary operates through a strategic partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). This partnership ensures the highest standards of safety and quality for donor milk.

Donor Milk Saves Lives!

Rigorous Safety Protocols

The milk bank follows strict HMBANA guidelines that include:

  • Comprehensive donor screening – Health evaluations and lifestyle assessments
  • Blood testing – HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious disease screening
  • Pasteurization process – Eliminates viruses and bacteria while preserving nutrients
  • Third-party laboratory testing – Final safety verification before distribution
  • FDA regulation compliance – Meeting federal food processing standards

How to Become a Breast Milk Donor in Illinois

Generous mothers throughout Illinois and Wisconsin are the foundation of this life-saving program. If you’re a healthy, lactating mother with extra breast milk, you can help save lives by becoming a donor through Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes.

Donor Requirements and Process

Who Can Donate:

  • Healthy, lactating women with surplus milk
  • Must pass comprehensive health screening
  • Commit to minimum 100-ounce donation (achievable by setting aside 1 ounce daily for about 3 months)
  • Willing to undergo blood testing at no cost

Step-by-Step Donation Process:

  1. Complete Donor Interest Form – Start at milkbankwgl.org/donate-milk/ and fill out the donor interest form
  2. Application Processing – The donor application process takes approximately 2 weeks
  3. Health Screening – Phone interview covering health, lifestyle, and milk storage practices
  4. Healthcare Provider Contact – Milk Bank WGL verifies your health status
  5. Free Blood Testing – Testing for infectious diseases at no cost to you
  6. Approval and Donor Number – Begin donating once approved
  7. Ongoing Commitment – Report medications and household illnesses, maintain proper milk storage

Donation Guidelines for Illinois Mothers

Storage and Transport:

  • Keep milk frozen at home and during transport
  • Follow strict milk storage guidelines provided by Milk Bank WGL
  • Use proper collection and storage containers

Drop-off Locations:

  • Multiple milk depot locations throughout Illinois and Wisconsin
  • Shipping arrangements available at no cost to donors
  • At-home pickup options in select areas
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate donor availability

The Life-Saving Impact of Donor Milk

Human breast milk provides irreplaceable benefits for infant health, particularly for premature and critically ill babies. Research consistently shows that babies who receive human milk versus formula have:

  • 90% lower risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (life-threatening intestinal infection)
  • Enhanced immune protection through antibodies and infection-fighting factors
  • Optimal nutrition and digestion with specialized growth hormones
  • Reduced risk of allergies, diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome

For premature babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) throughout Illinois, donor milk can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Accessing Donor Milk at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

Location and Hours:

  • Address: HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL
  • Location: 3rd floor lactation office (left off elevators)
  • Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Entrance: Main lobby entrance

Supporting Breastfeeding Success in St. Clair County

Beyond the milk dispensary, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital offers comprehensive lactation support services:

  • Certified lactation consultants on staff
  • Breastfeeding education classes – now offered free of charge
  • Lactation supply store – complete range of breastfeeding accessories
  • Postpartum support – ongoing guidance for new mothers

Community Impact and Future Growth

The success of this first-of-its-kind service in St. Clair County has the potential to inspire similar programs throughout Southern Illinois. As more families become aware of this resource, it’s expected to:

  • Reduce infant mortality rates in the region
  • Support successful breastfeeding initiation for new mothers
  • Provide peace of mind for families facing unexpected challenges
  • Set a standard for family-centered care in maternal health

The program also contributes to the broader mission of Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, which serves over 75 hospitals and thousands of families throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.

Getting Started: Resources and Contact Information

For Families Needing Donor Milk:

  • Visit steliz.org/milk for online ordering
  • Contact HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Women and Infants Center
  • Consult with your pediatrician about medical necessity

For Potential Milk Donors:

Hospital Contact Information:

  • HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
  • O’Fallon, Illinois 62269
  • Women and Infants Center
  • Main entrance, 3rd floor lactation office

Conclusion: A Milestone in Maternal and Infant Care

The opening of St. Clair County’s first breast milk depot at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital represents more than just a new service—it’s a commitment to ensuring every baby has access to the optimal nutrition they need for healthy development. Through the generous donations of mothers throughout the region and the expertise of Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, this program provides hope and practical solutions for families during their most vulnerable moments.

Whether you’re a family in need of donor milk or a mother with extra milk to share, this program offers an opportunity to be part of a life-saving mission that strengthens our entire community. The success of this initiative demonstrates what’s possible when healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and generous donors work together to support the health and wellbeing of our most precious community members.

Ready to learn more? Visit steliz.org/milk for donor milk services or milkbankwgl.org/donate-milk/ to become a milk donor. For the original news coverage of this milestone, read the full story at RiverBender.com.

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is located in O’Fallon, Illinois, serving families throughout St. Clair County and the Metro East region. The hospital’s Women and Infants Center provides comprehensive maternal and infant care services, including the region’s first breast milk dispensary.

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