For information on volunteering at the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Louisiana, contact Shelley Thibeau at sthibeau@ochsner.org.

We change and save lives every day. Your support makes it possible. If you would like to donate to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Louisiana, contact Lauren Phipps at lauren.phipps@ochsner.org.

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As a leader in neonatal care, obstetrics, and maternal fetal medicine, Ochsner understands the critical importance of human milk for infant growth and development that cannot be duplicated by formula. Mother’s milk is especially crucial to vulnerable premature babies and significantly decreases the odds of life-threatening complications and infections. Despite their best efforts, sometimes mothers of preterm infants are unable to provide their own milk. Pasteurized donated human milk is the next best option.

The Mothers' Milk Bank of Louisiana at Ochsner Baptist will collect, process and provide donor human milk to premature and sick babies who need human milk to thrive. We have been accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) as the first milk bank in the state of Louisiana. We are the 24th non-profit milk bank to be established in the United States.

The Mothers' Milk Bank of Louisiana at Ochsner Baptist is now open and ready to serve the smallest Louisiana residents. We have a milk collection depot right here at Ochsner Baptist, where approved donors can bring their frozen breast milk. We also have depots in Lafayette, Lake Charles, and Baton Rouge, and hope to add many more across the state. Because of our generous milk donors, we will be able to provide safe donor milk to Louisiana hospitals for their tiny babies.

Mothers who would like to donate should contact us by filling out our contact form. Our process involves a health screening and blood testing to ensure any donated milk is safe for tiny babies.

We would like to thank the following supporters for assisting with the planning and development of the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Louisiana:

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Baptist Community Ministries

Junior League of New Orleans

• 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?

As of August 2020, Louisiana provides Medicaid coverage for the use of donor human milk in the hospital setting.

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?

Currently, Louisiana Medicaid only reimburses the hospital for in-patient donor human milk but check with your insurance to see if they will reimburse for out-patient donor human milk.

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

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 Technicians- Danielle Myles and Ann Dunn

Milk Bank Volunteers are Susan Ginsberg and Julie Childress.

Lactation Options After the Loss of Your Baby

The team at The Mother’s Milk Bank of Louisiana at Ochsner Baptist would like to express our deepest condolences for the loss of your child. There is almost nothing one can say to you to make any of this experience softer, though we hope to be of help to you through our Milk Bank, and to honor your child. We are deeply honored to support mothers and families processing and coping with bereavement. Our hearts are with you, and it is our aim to be your support and ally at this time in your life.

Why am I producing milk when I don’t have my baby?

Your body does not know that you are not feeding a baby and will continue to make milk until you actively take steps to stop the milk supply. Upon the loss of your baby, you have several lactation options.

You can continue to express milk for as long as you feel comfortable. Expressing can be done by hand pumping or using an electric breast pump.

What does continued lactation do for your well-being?

• Expressing milk is the evidence and significance of your baby and motherhood.
• It is a way of honoring yourself and your child.
• It is a way for you to move through your grief.
• Lactation completes the reproductive cycle.
• The release of hormones of lactation helps to reduce the symptoms of depression.

What happens if I choose to donate my milk?

You can donate your milk in honor of your lost baby. Donating milk to a nonprofit milk bank is a generous gift of life. Donor milk is used to feed sick premature babies whose mothers are unable to provide their own milk.

If you would like to donate your stored milk to help a fragile preterm infant, please contact the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Louisiana at www.ochsner.org/mothersmilkbank or call 504-703-6455 if you are interested in donating your milk.

You will be asked to complete:

• A 10-15 minute phone screening
• An information packet about yourself
• A blood screening test

Stop your milk supply

If you do not continue to hand express or use a breast pump your milk will dry up but it may take several days before your breasts feel comfortable. Please contact your healthcare provider or our lactation consultant team at 504-842-6709 or 504-842-5210 for help in stopping your milk supply safely and comfortably.

We cover all costs for screening and processing your milk. Once approved, you can drop off your milk or ship it to us free of charge.

Bereavement Resources

Support Groups

Online Resources for Support

• Sauls Light
• Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio
• Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death
• March of Dimes- Dealing with Grief After the Death of your Baby
• Share- Pregnancy and Infant Loss
• Compassionate Friends- Supporting Family After a Child Dies
• Courageous Parents Network