Frequently Asked Questions

Mission & Geography Focus

  • Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic childhood malnutrition in the Western Hemisphere. In towns like San Cristóbal, Alta Verapaz, the malnutrition rate in children under five reaches nearly 70%. Breast milk can be a life-saving intervention for infants in these communities.

  • Our work is sustainable because it's rooted in local collaboration, long-term planning, and holistic care. We partner with trusted community-based organizations like the Ixchel Foundation, which provides healthcare to underserved populations and helps identify at-risk infants, conduct follow-ups, and distribute donor milk safely and ethically. Beyond milk, we’ve developed a foolproof plan to meet the broader health needs of families: through our partnership with Vitamin Angels, we provide critical micronutrient supplementation to mothers and infants, and with Ecofiltro, we ensure access to clean, safe drinking water—a key factor in preventing illness and supporting healthy development. These partnerships allow us to deliver lasting impact by addressing both immediate nutritional needs and the underlying causes of malnutrition.

  • In many remote Guatemalan communities, formula can be difficult to find, afford, or tolerate. Powdered donor breast milk offers a safer, more digestible, and culturally appropriate alternative. It supports infant health in ways formula often can’t—especially when combined with access to clean water and essential micronutrients for both mothers and babies.

  • The need for breast milk and maternal support is real both locally and globally. In the U.S., there are established milk banks and programs to help meet that demand. In contrast, many communities abroad—like those we serve in Guatemala—have little to no access to donor milk, clean water, or essential nutrition. Our work fills a critical gap where support systems are minimal or nonexistent, helping the most vulnerable infants survive and thrive.

Partnerships & Support

  • Ixchel Foundation: Identifies vulnerable infants, manages distribution and follow-ups

    Ecofiltro: Supplies clean water solutions to recipient families

    Vitamin Angels: Provides prenatal vitamins and nutritional support

  • Our approach ensures children not only receive breast milk, but also clean water, medical follow-ups, and nutritional care — a holistic solution to combat malnutrition.

Safety, Legality & Ethics

  • Yes. We operate in compliance with customs regulations and use licensed partners for freeze-drying and transport. All milk is documented and screened.

  • While organizations like the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) require pasteurization of donor milk as part of their safety protocols, our model adapts to a different context. We operate in regions with extremely limited access to donor milk, and where the benefits of retaining the milk’s full immunological properties outweigh the minimal risk posed by non-pasteurized milk from thoroughly screened donors.

    Our rigorous donor screening process—modeled on global best practices—includes:

    • Comprehensive health history review

    • Blood testing for infectious diseases

    • Detailed milk handling protocols and storage education

    • Ongoing oversight and communication with healthcare partners

    This approach is rooted in scientific evidence and global health equity. We believe it offers the most life-saving impact in the communities we serve, where infant malnutrition and infection-related mortality remain high.

  • Yes. Personal and medical information is strictly confidential and only shared with consent. We prioritize privacy and transparency.

  • Yes. Donors complete a health history questionnaire and, if eligible, a serological blood test for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, and more.

  • We use a 3-step process:
    1. Thorough donor screening
    2. Safe milk handling and freeze-drying via licensed processing facilties
    3. Local delivery by trained healthcare professionals

Donor Questions

  • Start with a 3-minute pre-screen form. If eligible, we’ll cover the cost of a blood test and review your milk for safety. Approved donors receive a shipping kit.

  • Yes! Most donors are breastfeeding their own children. Even a few ounces can make a lasting difference.

  • No. As a nonprofit, we do not pay for milk. However, we cover all expenses and honor donors through our appreciation program.

  • We’re here to help. If you’re unsure whether a medication or supplement is safe while donating breast milk, just let us know. You can include your questions in the pre-screen form or contact our team directly. We consult Hale’s Medications & Mothers’ Milk, the leading international resource on drug safety during lactation, to provide accurate, evidence-based guidance. No question is too small—your peace of mind and the safety of the babies we serve are our top priorities.

  • We are faith-inspired by the love of Christ but welcome donors, recipients, and partners of all backgrounds.

  • Absolutely! Help us grow by sharing your experience and directing others to rosemilkcollective.org.

Logistics & Process

  • Yes. We work with donors across the U.S. and will provide prepaid shipping to a licensed processing facility.

  • Initial pre-screening takes minutes. Once approved, the full screening and onboarding process usually takes 1–2 weeks.

  • You are not automatically disqualified. Many “yes” answers simply require more context — we’ll follow up to learn more.

  • No fasting is required. Eat and drink as usual.

  • Only with your written consent. Most screening is done directly through our team and partner labs.

Still have questions?

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