Utah milk bank sees increase in requests and donations amid formula shortage

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — The baby formula shortage is impacting NICUs across the nation. Hospitals are desperately trying to get more donated breast milk for their most vulnerable babies, as many specialty formulas are out of stock.

Mountain West Mother’s Milk Bank in South Salt Lake produces nearly 15,000 ounces of milk every month. They are now receiving requests to significantly increase that number.

“Our usual hospital amounts and orders have doubled and almost tripled for some of the hospitals,” Jennie Noren, Operations Director for the milk bank said. “Hospitals where they may have used a specialty formula, they are now using human donor milk because they don’t have access to that formula.”

Noren said from the time the milk is donated it takes the bank about 10 days to process and deliver it to hospitals. The life-saving supply is dropped off to NICUs across Utah and Southern Idaho.

“One ounce of human donated milk can feed a micro preemie for an entire day,” Noren said.

The bank has 150 donors at any given time but that number continues to increase as people in Utah look for ways to help out amid the formula shortage.

“Thanks to our incredible community we are increasing that number daily,” Noren said.

Jessica Clayton, who breastfeeds her 11-month-old, is able to freeze 3-6 extra ounces a day to donate.

“It makes a difference in other babies’ life and it’s something that I can share,” she said.

Clayton said giving up her extra supply is just one way she can help a struggling parent during this time of need.

“This is a way to take care of my local community in the way that I can right now,” she said. “I have seen an amazing effort of women carrying women during this time.”

If you’re interested in donating, visit the Mountain West Mother’s Milk Bank’s website.