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Collecting mother's milk from A to Z

Once you are registered and qualified, you can start collecting your surplus milk for the Public Mothers’ Milk Bank, in compliance with hygiene measures. To become familiar with these measures, consult the Information Guide for Donating Mother's Milk.


Sanitation procedures for collecting breast milk

Wash your hands and breasts before each collection

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them with a clean, unused towel.
  2. Gently wash your breasts with unscented soap. Avoid perfume, powder and scented products. Do not disinfect your breasts, as the skin is delicate.
  3. Rinse your breasts with clean water. Let them air dry, or dry them with a clean cloth.
  4. Collect your milk.

Sterilize your pump and store your milk after each collection

  1. Carefully clean the parts of your pump using hot, soapy water. Use antibacterial, degreasing dish soap.
  2. Rinse each part with clean water.
  3. Boil the pump parts at a rolling boil for at least 10 minutes. This is the only method of sterilization accepted by the public mothers’ milk bank. If you use your own bottles, be sure to boil them for 10 minutes as well. Let the parts air dry by placing them on a clean, unused cloth or on a new piece of paper towel. Cover them with another clean cloth to protect them from airborne particles. Do not use a drying rack, even one intended for bottles.
  4. Allow the parts to dry completely.
  5. Unless you know that you will be using the pump again soon, store the parts in a clean, resealable container (e.g., a plastic bag or a reusable dish) until their next use.

Handling bottles

If Héma‑Québec’s bottles are compatible with your pump, please use them. If not, be sure to clean and sterilize your collection bottles in accordance with the instructions in the sterilization section. Regardless of whether you use sterile bottles provided by Héma‑Québec or your own sterilized bottles, please follow these procedures:

  • Write the date (dd/mm/yyyy) you collected the milk on the label and stick the label on the bottle. Use permanent marker. Don’t use gel ink, which dissolves upon contact with water.
  • Freeze the milk immediately, or no later than 30 minutes after you collected it.
  • It’s important to put the bottles of milk as far away from the freezer door as possible in order to avoid temperature fluctuations.
  • Do not refreeze thawed milk.
  • Do not add fresh milk to a bottle of milk that’s already frozen.
  • Express at least 15 ml per bottle.

Tips and tricks from experienced donors

These suggestions are from donors who have generously shared their experiences to help yours be the best it can be. From one mom to another!

  • Some donors find it easier to express breast milk for the public mother’s milk bank if they create a “fake nursing session.” They set aside a part of their day exclusively to express milk for the bank. For example, every day at 2 p.m., you could set yourself up to pump, after having made sure that your materials were clean and sterile the night before. This makes it easier to fit pumping into your routine, and some donors find it more peaceful.
  • Before you wash your hands and breasts to express your milk, you can apply a bit of heat and massage your breasts. A warm bath or shower can also make it easier to express milk and let it flow.
  • Read or watch a tv show while you express your milk. That way, you won’t be focused on the amount you express, and you’ll enjoy some calm and relaxation
  • If you sterilize your equipment immediately after you express milk for the bank, you’ll always have clean equipment on hand so you can express milk more spontaneously, whenever the opportunity arises.

Is there a minimum quantity of milk required to make a donation?

Each bottle holds up to 100 ml, but no minimum quantity is required. Try to reach at least 15 ml per bottle. Never fill a bottle above the 100 ml mark, as the milk expands when frozen.


How often should I collect my milk?

Collect your milk only if you have a surplus after feeding your infant, as you are able and feel comfortable doing so.


If I donate milk to the bank, will my baby still receive all the nutritional value he or she requires?

Yes, your baby receives all the nutrition required at every feeding.


How should I preserve my milk?

Keep it in the freezer (as far from the door as possible to protect against variations in temperature). Never refreeze milk that has thawed.

Would you like to verify your eligibility to donate?

Would you like to register to the Mothers’ Milk Bank?