Outpatient Program
Our Outpatient Program was established to increase access to safe pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM). Both infants in the hospital and those receiving care at home can benefit from donor milk. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), donor milk use is linked to reduced rates of serious health complications and increased rates of exclusive maternal breastfeeding upon discharge.
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For babies at home, donor milk is meant to serve as a temporary source of supplementation while mom’s own milk is insufficient or not available. Donor milk is a source of support to a mother until she has a sufficient supply for her baby. Sometimes this takes a few days, and sometimes a longer bridge is needed.
All requests for donor milk are evaluated on an individual basis.
While it is our greatest desire that every baby would receive donor human milk if mother’s own milk is not available, the reality is that there is a limited supply of this precious resource. Since we rely on the generosity of volunteer milk donors, we cannot guarantee availability of milk.
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Infants with the greatest medical need for donor milk are always given priority.
Bridge to Breastfeeding Success
Each bottle of PDHM is 3.3 oz and there is a processing fee of $14.95* per bottle, plus shipping (if applicable).
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Prescriptions are not required but if your family plans to seek reimbursement from your insurance company, a prescription will be required. Prescriptions must include the following information:
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Current date
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Patient’s name
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Date of birth
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Amount of milk (in ounces) to provide daily
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Refills or time frame in which PDHM is needed
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Patient’s Diagnosis (include ICD-10 codes)
Prescriptions can be uploaded by the parent or guardian in the request form below. Or the provider may fax the prescription to 1-615-285-8238 or email at info@milkbanktn.org.
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Families will need to pay out of pocket for this service, but we will provide each family with a receipt to seek reimbursement if donor human milk is a covered benefit under your insurance plan. Reach out to your insurance company for more details.
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​​​*Subject to change.
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How will I receive donor milk?
After submitting your request, please allow two business days for our team to review your submission. If your request is approved, you will receive an invoice to the email address provided in order to submit payment online for the processing fee and shipping (if applicable).
You may schedule a pick-up Monday- Friday at 2909 Old Fort Parkway, Suite 105, Murfreesboro, TN or the milk can be shipped to you with dry ice next-day via UPS once payment is received. Please note, shipping rates do apply.
Why is there a processing fee?
There are significant costs associated with the screening and processing necessary for the medically fragile infants that we serve. The processing fee covers the cost of donor screening, nutritional analysis, pasteurization, microbiological testing, and storage. The processing fee is $14.95 per bottle (each bottle is 3.3 oz).
Checklist for Requests
1.
Determine the number of 3.3 oz bottles needed.
2.
Obtain prescription from pediatrician if you plan to seek reimbursement from your insurance.
3.
Submit request in the online form below which includes consent form.
4.
If approved, submit payment for processing fees and shipping (if applicable).
5.
Schedule your pickup or shipment.
Lactation Support
Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee desires to help educate and support ALL new moms (not just our donors) who want to breastfeed their babies. Provided below are trusted resources to help mothers during their breastfeeding journey.
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Resources:
Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline
Find A Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Near You
Breastfeeding Laws in Tennessee