Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes

04/30/2026

💗🔎😉Zoom in to our new labels reveal a secret!

04/28/2026

Our rockstar Clinical Manager!

I love Amber, you love Amber, we ALL love Amber! 💗

Today Amber was surprised at work when she was named the “Babies First” award winner, nominated by FOUR colleagues for her exceptional work as both an RN and an IBCLC in the NICU. Amber was recognized for her endless support of moms and babies working on breastfeeding during their NICU stay as well as her contributions to the hospital’s lactation program.

So deserved !!! 🏆 🥇

04/27/2026

Breaking ground for the tiniest patients.

Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes just presented the new Medela Human Milk Research Lab in Elk Grove Village, IL to an international audience and it could change everything for premature newborns. This vital research lab was featured on today.

Human breast milk can be vital nutrition for babies in need. And now, researchers right here in the Chicago suburbs are working to unlock its full potential.

Whether you're a NICU parent, a breastfeeding advocate, or simply someone who believes the most vulnerable babies deserve the best science, this one's for you. 💙

📍 Elk Grove Village, Illinois
🔬 Maternal + infant health research
🤱 Milk donation saves lives

for more information and to watch your favorite milk bank on the news- check out our blog- Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes: https://www.milkbankwgl.org/stories/milk-bank-to-unveil-medela-human-milk-research-lab-during-international-donor-milk-conference/

04/25/2026

Science Friday fact: safety starts long before donor milk reaches a baby. 🍼🧪

We use a triple screening process for donors:
✔️ Detailed health history
✔️ Healthcare provider statement
✔️ Blood testing for infectious diseases

Additionally donors are approved by a licensed RN.
After approval, milk is tested for medications, drugs, and bacteria.

Because every ounce of donor milk should be backed by science, screening, and care.

04/24/2026

🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵

Many thanks to all the incredible attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, content experts, board members, and volunteers who helped make the 2026 International Donor Milk Conference such a great success! ✨

Your energy, passion, and dedication are driving meaningful progress every day. Thank you for being part of this mission, and we look forward to all that’s ahead.

04/21/2026

Scenes from our Milk Bank Mingle during the HMBANA Symposium 🤍✨

We were honored to welcome professionals, advocates, and partners from across the donor milk community for an evening of connection and celebration.

Bringing together leaders in human milk banking reminds us how powerful collaboration can be in advancing infant health and supporting the families who need us most.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to move this mission forward. 💛

04/16/2026

💙 BREAKING GOOD NEWS: Thanks to generous donors, more babies are receiving safe donor milk than ever before. Want to be part of the next success story? Donate today.

04/14/2026

We’re proud to partner with Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes to ensure donor milk is handled with the highest level of care for our community.

Donor milk from Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes is prioritized for babies receiving care in the nursery at HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital. During their hospital stay, donor milk is provided for use when medically needed, ensuring safe, trusted nutrition from the very start.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/aaRw50YFg30

04/11/2026

Not all milk is the same… especially for premature babies 💛

Human milk is packed with living components that formula simply cannot replicate:

🧬 Antibodies that help fight infection
🦠 Good bacteria that support gut health
✨ Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that protect against NEC
💪 Easily digestible nutrients for fragile systems

For babies in the NICU, these can make a lifesaving difference.

When a parent’s own milk isn’t available, pasteurized donor milk becomes a powerful bridge.

Every ounce donated helps protect the tiniest, most vulnerable babies.

👉 Have extra milk in your freezer? Donate and make a difference: milkbankwgl.org/donate-milk/

04/08/2026

💙 Big things happening at this year’s HMBANA Conference 💙

We are so proud to share that Katera will be speaking alongside two incredible Milk Bank WGL leaders, Dr. Anne Eglash and Dr. Miena Hall. Together, they are helping shape the future of donor milk, research, and equitable access for families and babies.

From community connection to clinical expertise, this is what it looks like when passion meets purpose.

👏 If you’re attending, don’t miss their sessions 👏

04/07/2026

Healthy beginnings matter.

🌍 This World Health Day, we recognize the donors, healthcare providers, and milk bank teams working together to support infant health.

Learn more at HMBANA.org.