This is how the donor milk is processed at Breast Milk Foundation:
1. Scrubbing
The Bank Incharge thoroughly scrubs her hands with antimicrobial soap before putting on gloves; gloves are always used when handling the human milk as part of the pasteurization process.
2. Pouring
Human milk from a donor mom is carefully transferred from its original storage container to glass flasks.
3. Mixing & Pooling
Each Pool (which usually includes human milk from 3 to 5 donor mothers) is thoroughly mixed to ensure an even distribution of human milk components.
4. Filling Bottles
Four or eight 130 ml or 230 ml bottles are filled with human milk prior to pasteurization.
5. Milk Analysis
The human milk is analyzed for the nutrient content and other essential vitamins and minerals after the Pasteurization Process.
6. Lab Testing
Human milk samples are taken during the pasteurization process and cultured to check for bacterial growth. Any contaminated human milk is discarded.
7. Pasteurized Donor Human Milk
The Pasteurized Donor Human milk (PDHM) is now ready for freezing and storage. It can be dispensed after samples are cultured and show no bacteria growth. PDHM is shipped frozen overnight to hospitals.