Why Donor Milk Matters
When a baby arrives early or with medical complications, families are thrust into a world they never expected: the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It is a place full of tiny miracles, but also one of incredible stress. At Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, we see firsthand how donor milk and community support can give these babies their very best chance.
Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham
This year, Illinois passed an important law, HB 2978, the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act,
that will help parents stay by their baby’s side during these difficult times. We believe it is a huge step forward for NICU families, and we are honored to share why.
One of our very first donor milk recipients was London, born at just 24 weeks. London’s start in life was fragile. Her tiny body was not ready for the world yet, and every detail of her care mattered. Read her story here https://www.milkbankwgl.org/stories/london/
Because of generous milk donors, London was able to receive pasteurized donor human milk when her mother’s own milk was not available. That liquid gold gave her the nutrition and protection she needed to grow stronger. Today, London is thriving, and her story reminds us why milk banks exist: to give NICU babies a fighting chance.
A New Law for NICU Parents: HB 2978
Families with babies in the NICU face an impossible choice: go back to work too soon or risk job and income loss to stay at the hospital. HB 2978 changes that.
Here is what the new law provides, starting June 1, 2026:
10 days of protected leave for employees at small businesses (16–50 employees)
20 days of protected leave for employees at larger businesses (51+ employees)
Leave can be taken all at once or in small chunks, even just two hours at a time, to be there for feedings, pumping sessions, or important medical updates
It is in addition to FMLA, with job reinstatement and continued health coverage
Simply put, NICU parents no longer have to choose between work and their baby.
(For a breakdown of the law, see https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/PublicActs/View/104-0259)
How This Connects to Donor Milk
At the milk bank, we know NICU families already carry heavy emotional and financial burdens. Donor milk eases some of that worry, but time with their baby is just as critical.
When parents can:
Stay close during feedings
Participate in daily care routines
Learn how to pump and store milk safely
Bond skin-to-skin with their baby
Babies thrive. HB 2978 makes this possible by giving families breathing room. It complements our mission: nourishing NICU infants with donor milk and supporting families who love them.
Building a Circle of Support
London’s story is just one of many. Every day, families across Illinois and Wisconsin rely on milk donors, depots, and dispensaries to keep babies nourished. With HB 2978, they now have another layer of support: the ability to be present without risking their livelihood.
At Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, we are hopeful. Between donor milk and family-centered policies, we are building a circle of care where fragile babies get stronger and families do not have to walk the journey alone.
✨ How you can help:
Parents: Ask your employer about your rights under the new Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act.
Employers: Learn how this law supports your employees and strengthens families.
Community members: Consider becoming a milk donor or spreading the word about donor milk.
Because every baby, like London, deserves the best possible start. ?
