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Milk Bank FAQ

General Information for Breast Milk Donations

Thank you for considering to donate your breast milk to the Temasek Foundation Community Milk Bank Programme. Below is a list of frequently asked questions for your reference.

Frequently Asked Questions


Why should I donate my excess breast milk to a bank?

Breast milk is the best food for babies, providing nourishment and multiple health benefits. Donated milk can be life saving for sick and premature babies when their own mothers are not able to provide breast milk for whatever reason. 

In full term infants with medical conditions such as heart disease and gastro-intestinal malformations, the use of breast milk offers protection from infections, reduces feeding intolerance and fosters better long term growth and development.

Similar to blood donation, donating milk through a milk bank allows the milk to be screened for bacteria contamination and ensures safe and proper handling and storage of the donated milk in a way that protects its nutritional value.

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Who should I contact if I am interested to donate?

You may contact KK Human Milk Bank via:

Phone: 6394 1986
Email: milkbank@kkh.com.sg

Or visit KK Human Milk Bank at:

KK Women’s And Children’s Hospital
100 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 229899
Women’s Tower, Level 2

Operation hours:
Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
8.30am to 5.00pm (Lunch hour: 1.00pm to 2.00pm)

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Will anyone know that I have donated my breast milk?

All personal information obtained by the KK Human Milk Bank are only accessible by authorised personnel. Unique identifiers are assigned to all donors to ensure donor confidentiality.

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Will I be paid for the donation?

No. Milk donation is a voluntary initiative and donors will not be paid. This also ensures that milk arriving at the bank is safe and not tampered with for monetary gains. It also ensures that mothers do not deprive their own infants of their milk for monetary gain.

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Am I eligible to donate my breast milk?

The KK Human Milk Bank will not accept your milk if you:

  • Smoke.
  • Consume alcohol.
  • Use illegal drugs or other prohibited substances.
  • Routinely consume 3 or more cups of coffee, tea, or other caffeine stimulant drinks per day (including cola and stimulant soft drinks).
  • Have lived in or travelled to the UK between 1980 and 1996 for a total or cumulative period of 6 months.
  • Have tested positive for HIV, Hepatitis B and C or Syphilis.
  • Had any body piercing or tattooing done in the last 12 months including acupuncture and eyebrow embroidery.
  • Do not have adequate Vitamin B12 supplement if you are a vegetarian/vegan.

If you are taking medications (including herbal remedies), you may still be eligible to donate your milk. Please contact KK Human Milk Bank for clarification.

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What are my responsibilities as a donor?

  • Declare your health status and complete a questionnaire.
  • Agree to have blood taken for tests to screen for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis.
  • Follow the given instructions on collecting, labelling, storing and transporting breast milk to KK Human Milk Bank according to the donor’s information leaflet.
  • Inform KK Human Milk Bank if there are any changes in your health status.
  • Allow personnel from KK Human Milk Bank to review your medical records and your baby’s medical records.

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Do I have to pay for the blood test?

No. You do not have to pay for the blood tests.

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Will I be informed of my blood test result?

Yes. You will be given a copy of your test results. If you have a positive test result for any of the screening blood tests, we will need to notify the relevant authorities in accordance with statutory requirements. You will be referred to the appropriate specialists for treatment and counseling as needed.

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Can I donate excess milk which I had expressed earlier?

You may donate frozen milk expressed up to 2 months* prior depending on the milk bank's storage availability. You will need to meet all of the following criteria:

  • Consent as a donor.
  • Pass the general health screening questionnaire.
  • Pass the required blood tests.
  • Milk was expressed when your baby was less than 1 year old.

*This is subject to change and you will be advised accordingly.

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Can I continue to donate for as long as I can?

Yes, if you fulfil all of the following criteria:

  • Your baby is less than 1 year old.
  • Pass a 3 monthly general health screening questionnaire.
  • Pass a 3 monthly blood test.

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What happens to the milk I donate to the bank?

Donor milk received in acceptable condition will be:

  • Tested for bacteria and other contamination.
  • Undergo pasteurisation to destroy unwanted or disease-causing organisms.
  • Frozen until it is dispensed out to a baby.

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What if my donated milk is unsuitable for use? Will I get it back?

No. Once donated, your breast milk will not be returned to you. If found unsuitable for donation, it will be disposed by the milk bank.

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If I am not eligible to donate milk, does that mean I cannot breastfeed my own baby too?

In most instances you will still be able to feed your own baby. Our staff will discuss this with you at the time of counseling.

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Will I be told who receives my milk?

No. All personal information (donor and recipient) obtained by the KK Human Milk Bank will be kept confidential.

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