Formula Shortage
Donor Milk during the Formula Shortage
Donor milk is available to families based on a priority system, focusing on the most vulnerable patients. Donor Milk is currently available for the following uses:
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| Priority | Family Situation | How to get Donor Milk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preterm or ill hospitalized infants | These babies are often provided donor milk in the hospital, based on hospital guidelines. |
| 2 | Babies that are receiving prescription formula for specific health conditions:
|
Complete the outpatient interest form and we will contact you with the next steps in the process. |
| 3 | Babies with medical needs that continue to need donor milk at home. | Contact your medical provider to discuss receiving donor milk by prescription.
To order milk, complete the outpatient interest form and we will contact you with the next steps in the process. |
|
4 |
Families of healthy babies that need a short term emergency supply of donor milk due to formula unavailability. | Find the nearest donor milk dispensary (listed below) to purchase up to 40 oz of donor milk.
If you are unable to obtain milk from a dispensary, complete the outpatient interest form to obtain milk directly from the milk bank. |
Additional information for healthcare providers on the use of donor milk can be found here.
Donor Milk Dispensaries
We have over 20 locations where families can purchase up to 40 ounces of donor milk without a prescription. This is ideal for short term needs such as at hospital discharge, transitioning to work, or, in this case, a bridge to finding a new formula.
Donor Milk Pricing
Using a HMBANA-accredited milk bank is the best way to ensure that your donor milk is safely screened and processed. There is a charge for pasteurized donor human milk because of the process that makes it safe—thorough screening of donors, testing, pasteurizing, and careful shipping.
Charity Care
If your baby has a prescription for donor milk and you are facing financial difficulties, you may qualify for our Charity Care Program. Complete the outpatient interest form and we will contact you with the next steps in the process.
Insurance Coverage
If you have a healthy baby at home, it is unlikely insurance will cover the cost of donor milk. We offer convenient self-pay options, including credit card payments.
For military families, TRICARE covers donor milk from HMBANA milk banks for certain conditions, when prescribed by a TRICARE-authorized provider.
Families in Illinois that care for children with significant medical needs may be eligible for insurance coverage. For more information, please review our Insurance Coverage Fact Sheet.
Formula Shortage in the News
Questions?
We are currently developing additional donor milk dispensaries throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. Check here often for more donor milk dispensary locations opening in your area!
Contact us at 847-262-5134 or email info@milkbankwgl.org if you have any questions.