We want to make the screening process as easy as possible. The healthcare team caring for you and your baby, can talk you through this and answer any questions you may have. You can also speak to the milk bank staff directly on 0141 232 7973.
All families who donate after loss, can have their baby’s name added to the tree. We also gift a Memory Milk Pebble with the baby’s name to remember their precious gift to others. These are available at any time during the donation journey or afterwards by filling out the Memory Tree Consent Form further below. Families are also welcome to visit the Memory Milk Tree by calling 0141 232 7973 or emailing donor.milkbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
You can check if you meet the full criteria for donation, please complete the Screening Form for Donation in the Screening Process section below.
Sometimes your milk cannot be used to feed other babies. For example, if you smoke or vape or are on certain medication. Your healthcare team or the milk bank can advise you.
If you would still like to donate milk, we can accept up to two litres for research or other purposes like testing equipment in the milk bank. Please complete the Consent for Research Donations form in the Screening Process section below.
You can also request a collection of your stored milk by using the Collection Form in the Screening Process section.
You can download our information leaflet “Breast care after loss” here. We hope this information will help you make decisions about your care and your breastmilk which are right for you. There are also links to organisations and resources that can help you and your family think about options for remembrance as well as to find help and support.
Screening Process
We want to make the screening process as simple as possible. The healthcare team caring for you and your baby can talk you through this and answer any questions you may have. Sometimes your milk cannot be used directly to feed other babies. For example, if you smoke, vape or are on certain medications. In these circumstances, we offer you the choice to donate your milk for research and other purposes like ensuring best practice in the milk bank. You can get the link to both of the consent forms below.
We may also need to have a blood sample from you. These can be taken prior to discharge or by your GP and posted back to us. We provide a special kit for this.
If you have milk stored at home, we can arrange to collect your milk at a convenient time for you. Simply complete the collection form below.
Continuing to express
Although milk donation does not suit everyone, some families find comfort in continuing to express and donating. We would encourage you to discuss this with the healthcare team caring for you to help make a decision that feels right for you. They can also give you advice about expressing, including how soon to start and how often to express.
To support you to express your breastmilk, we have organised a free pump loan and set for you to use whilst donating.
Your healthcare team or the Milk Bank will be able to give you the special code for this. Simply add the code when completing the form.
A pump will be delivered to you as soon as possible, usually the next working day. You will have to use a Debit or Credit Card to place the order which will be charged 30p. This will be refunded once the order is processed. If this is not an option for you, please get in touch with the milk bank on 0141 232 7973 or email donor.milkbank@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Please use these links for instructions on how to use the pump.
We also have dedicated Instagram and twitter accounts for bereaved families where, if you would like, we can share your baby’s story on our Instagram or Twitter
Memory Tree Consent and Pebble Request Form
We want to make sure your baby’s name is correct when we paint it on the tree and pebble. We also need to get your consent for it to be included in any media we may use. Can you complete the form using the Consent for Memory Milk Tree and Pebble Contact Form below.