About The Human Milk Foundation

The Human Milk Foundation supplies donor human milk to sick premature babies in over 50 hospital neonatal intensive care units across England & Wales through The Hearts Milk Bank. Much like donated blood, donor human milk can be life-saving. Watch our short video: https://youtu.be/YVXgQ5hOZ4Y

Premature babies are very vulnerable and at risk of serious complications due to their immature immune systems. A condition called necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) kills more babies each year than childhood leukaemia. Human milk helps prevent this condition, so if a baby is born early and mum is unable to produce her own milk, donor milk acts like a medicine to protect the baby. It is still sadly the case that donor milk has to be rationed due to lack of funding, meaning not every baby who could benefit can have access to this life-saving service. The Human Milk Foundation charity was set up to address this inequality - our mission is to scale up and grow The Hearts Milk Bank so more donor milk can be pasteurised and sent out to help more babies and save tiny lives.