03/09/2025
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High River Hospital Becomes First Donor Milk Dispensary in Alberta
Calgary, AB – NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank is pleased to announce that High River Hospital, a Baby Friendly designated facility, is now the first hospital in Alberta to act as a dispensary for safe, pasteurized donor human milk. This important milestone builds on the success of NorthernStar’s pilot project at Foothills Hospital in Calgary, where families have benefited from accessible donor milk during critical times.
The availability of donor milk at High River Hospital provides a critical option for families when breastfeeding is not possible or when a mother’s own milk is delayed. Donor milk offers essential support in situations including:
- Bridging the gap while waiting for a mother’s milk supply to establish.
- Supporting mothers with delayed milk production, particularly those with diabetes.
- Providing a safe alternative when mothers are unwell or unable to breastfeed.
"The addition of a donor milk dispensary at High River Hospital aligns perfectly with our mission to provide every baby with the best possible start," said Jannette, Executive Director of NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank. "We are proud to partner with High River Hospital to ensure families have access to safe and pasteurized donor milk when they need it most."
Families can now purchase donor milk directly at High River Hospital, offering a convenient and reliable source of nutrition for their babies. The initiative also supports maternal mental health by reducing anxiety for parents during the early postpartum period.
The pilot project at Foothills Hospital has shown promising results, demonstrating the positive impact of donor milk availability on infant health and family well-being. NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank looks forward to sharing these results once the study is published.
NorthernStar is grateful for the ongoing support of its milk donors, community partners, and all those who contribute to the success of its mission. With the continued collaboration of hospitals like High River, NorthernStar is expanding its reach to ensure more families have the choice of donor milk when they need it most.
For more information about donor milk or how to support NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank, please visit www.northernstarmilkbank.ca or contact Jannette Festival 403-475-6455.
