• Once screening is complete, donors will receive an ID number and will be able to conveniently drop off milk donations at one of our depots (see locations below)
• Drive through drop off is available from 7:30am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) with the valet on the 2nd floor of the Jena garage at Ochsner Baptist
• All milk needs to be clearly labeled with the dates and times pumped Frozen milk containers grouped into grocery bags should have an identification card in the bag. We have identification cards available at the depot or you can print at home using this file: Donor Identification Cards.
• For questions related to the depot, please call the milk bank at 504-703-6455.

I have a low supply of breastmilk. How can I receive donor milk from the milk bank?

We can supply out-patient donor milk to our community families. Out-patient donor milk is dispensed when available to infants with medical need. The application process requires a short phone interview where we ask for your contact information as well as payment options. We will need a prescription and statement of medical need from your pediatrician – we will send you the specific information that we require. Payment can be made in cash, check or credit card. We do offer a charitable care program based on annual income. Call us for more information.

Can donor milk from the milk bank help my preemie baby?

Human milk contains specific nutrition and disease fighting components that improve preterm infant growth and development. Mothers’ milk is best but when it is not available, pasteurized donor human milk is the next best option.

How can I donate my breastmilk to the milk bank?

There is a multi-step application process to complete, which include: a short phone interview, a packet of information to be completed and sent back to us, and blood tests, which are paid for by the milk bank. Mothers can donate their milk if there are in general good health, willing to participate in a phone screening and blood testing, not taking certain medications, a non-smoker that does not use illegal drugs or regularly consume alcohol, has milk in storage 9 months or less and pumped when the infant is 9 months or less. Call us at 504-703-6455 to set up your appointment for the application process.

Does Ochsner charge in-patients for donor milk?

There is no Medicaid or insurance coverage of donor human milk in Louisiana at this time. Our hospital units that order donor milk do not pass on the cost to their patients.

Does Ochsner purchase or pay for mother’s milk donated to the milk bank?

We are a non-profit milk bank and do not purchase human milk.

Can I receive donor milk through my insurance company?

There is no Medicaid or insurance coverage of donor human milk in Louisiana at this time.

Can I have only donor milk donated by a vegetarian/vegan mother?

We currently do not dispense donor milk donated by someone whose diet is vegetarian/vegan, or dairy free due to lack of supply related to inconsistency in the donor diet.

Shelley Thibeau, Director, 504-842-2101

Kadi Ledger, Donor Program Coordinator, 504-703-6455

Jessica Harbour, Milk Technician, 504-897-5826

Facebook @ mothersmilkbankoflouisiana

We have diverse team consisting of: Neonatologists, Pediatricians, Obstetricians, Lactation consultants, NICU nurses and Community Members.

Our medical director is Harley Ginsberg, MD.

Milk Bank Director is Shelley Thibeau, PhD, RN.

Donor Program Coordinator is Kadi Ledger.

Milk Bank Milk Technician is Jessica Harbour.

PRN Milk Technicians are Paula Venables and Akira Zeringue.

Milk Bank Volunteers are Susan Ginsberg and Julie Childress.