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Who are we?

The milk bank is hosted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and covers the whole of Scotland.

We are also members of the UK Association of Milk Banks.

What is a milk bank?

A milk bank provides screened pasteurised human milk to babies who have no or limited access to their own mothers milk. These babies are often born prematurely.

Premature babies are born with immature intestines and immature immune systems. They are often at greater risk of infection and Necrotising Enterocolitis, a potentially fatal gut condition.

Breast milk from a baby's own mother is always the best nutrition but this may not always be available especially in the first few days of life. Donated human milk is the next best alternative.

Donors are screened and the milk heat treated you can find out more at How it all works.

If you would like to find out more about donation then please visit the Milk Bank website to get more information and make an enquiry about becoming a donor.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 22/05/2024

Next review date: 30/05/2025

Author(s): Debbie Barnett.