WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Launches Partnership with Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank

“This partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank represents an important step in supporting infant health across our region,” Courtney Sweet, Pharm.D., B.C.P.P.S., director of pharmacy at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, said.

“Establishing a donor milk depot at Children’s gives approved donors a convenient, local place to drop off milk, helping us grow the donor pool and ensure more babies have access to the nutrition they need.” 

Infants, particularly those born prematurely, benefit from donor breastmilk while in the care of WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s. The Pharmacy and Infant Nutrition teams work together to ensure babies receive the critical health benefits provided by breastmilk. 

“Access to breastmilk — whether from mom or donor milk — is vital for our smallest and sickest patients. It is more easily tolerated by the immature digestive systems of preterm infants, allowing us to start feeding them sooner and rely less on IV nutrition,” Kelly Loomis, M.S., R.D., L.D., clinical nutrition coordinator at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, said. 

“We are incredibly fortunate to have donor milk available for all our patients when mother’s milk is not an option, ensuring every baby receives the best possible start until it is safe to transition to formula, if needed.”

Before dropping off breastmilk at the depot, donors must go through a rigorous screening process to obtain approval. They also must follow pumping and storing guidelines to ensure the milk can be safely given to infants.

This new partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank reflects WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s broader commitment to maternal and infant health. By offering this local drop-off site, the hospital hopes to increase donor participation and raise awareness about the ongoing need for donor milk.

“As convenient, community-based drop-off locations, depots make it easier for families to donate while improving the efficiency of how?donor milk is collected and distributed throughout the region,” Denise O’Connor, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank, said.

“Expanded access increases availability for infants in need, raises awareness, and strengthens community engagement around milk donation. We are very appreciative of our partnership with WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s and their support with this milk depot.