When mother’s own milk is unavailable, Pasteurized Donor Human Milk (PDHM) provides infants with a safe option to support optimal growth and health outcomes. Thanks to generous milk donors – when milk inventory allows – The Milk Bank can serve not only hospitalized infants, but families at home as well on a short-term basis. PDHM can be used as a medical treatment, to bridge a gap, or to help meet breastfeeding goals.
All families interested in receiving milk at home must submit our Outpatient Intake Form as the initial step. If accessing the form is a barrier or you prefer a paper copy, please call 317-536-1670 or email outpatient@themilkbank.org.
*In the event milk inventory becomes limited, The Milk Bank follows national triage standards based on medical need.*
If your need for milk is urgent, please call 317-536-1670.
The Milk Bank offers three convenient options for receiving PDHM for your infant:
(Click each for more info)
Families can purchase up to 40 ounces per transaction from a convenient Milk Express site. Families who require a larger quantity are encouraged to contact us, to ensure Milk Express sites maintain inventory to serve as many families as possible in emergent situations.
If there is not an pick-up site near you, select the direct ship option.
PDHM can be shipped directly* to families Monday-Thursday. Friday shipping may be available based on ability of family to receive delivery. *Additional shipping and handling rates apply.
Please note: requests made after 2:30 pm ET will be handled the next business day.
We currently cannot ship to the following states due to state tissue licensing regulations and other restrictions: CA, MD, NY, and PA.
The Milk Bank’s Medical Relief Fund provides free or reduced rates for PDHM and is reserved for infants with a medical need for human milk whose families are facing financial hardship. This program is limited to families residing in Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri. Additional documentation from the family and the infant’s healthcare provider are required for approval.
Please contact our Outpatient Specialist or call 317-536-1670 for more information or if you have an urgent need for donor milk.
If you have any urgent questions or experience issues with the online application/ordering process, please call 317-536-1670.
Start the process here
By completing the form online, it will automatically be submitted to us.
If you would like a PDF version of the form please contact us at 317-536-1670 or email outpatient@themilkbank.org.
If we can support you in any way please do not hesitate to reach out by calling 317-536-1670 or emailing outpatient@themilkbank.org.
To receive milk:
- Complete the Outpatient Intake Form.
- For local pick up at a Milk Express: Families can purchase up to 40 ounces from one of our 30 convenient Milk Express locations. After completing the Outpatient Intake Form above, pay online via the secure online platform. A receipt will be emailed to you; show that to the staff at your chosen Milk Express site!
- For direct shipping: If there is not a convenient Milk Express pick-up site near you or you require larger quantities of milk, please select direct ship. Skip the online payment page and call 317-536-1670. Shipping is typically available Monday-Thursdays, and any requests made after 2:30 p.m. ET will be handled the next business day. The Milk Bank currently cannot ship to CA, MD, NY, and PA due to tissue licensing regulations or similar restrictions.
- If you are applying for our Medical Relief Fund: The Milk Bank offers a medical relief fund for eligible families residing in IN, KY, and MO who are experiencing medical need and financial hardship. Skip the online payment page and call 317-536-1670. Be sure to mention if you have an urgent need for milk! The approval process typically takes at least 1-2 business days, but we will do our best to accommodate urgent needs.
Don’t lose the benefits of human milk – review our proper storage and handling guidelines!