Pasteurized Donor Human Milk (PDHM)

Why PDHM?

“There are many reasons why an infant may need pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM). Certain conditions related to prematurity or other medical issues such as malabsorption or gastrointestinal disorders, formula intolerance, or congenital anomalies are some situations when a baby can greatly benefit from the nutritional and immunologic support of donor human milk.

Sometimes a small amount of supplementation may be required for healthy babies as mothers’ milk supply increases or as the mother and baby work to establish feeding.  Using pasteurized donor milk as a bridge for short-term needs until issues are resolved may be helpful while feeding becomes established.” - The Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies

Is PDHM safe?

Yes! Donors are carefully screened, and the milk is pasteurized to destroy any potentially harmful pathogens.

A recent Fatwa was issued to address PDHM in the Islamic faith community. You can read more on these fact sheets in English, Arabic, and Somali.