Calgary West Central Primary Care Network

NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank

Aug 11, 2025

NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank

Aug 11, 2025

NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank (NMMB) is a charity that provides donor human milk to hospitals and families across Canada.

All milk is carefully screened, pasteurized, and tested to meet the highest safety standards.

NMMB services include:

  • Outpatient access for families
  • A medical relief program for those in financial need to cover the dispensation fee
  • Hospital partnerships for NICUs and postpartum units
  • A network of milk drop depots that make it easy for donors to contribute milk

Eligibility

  • Premature and medically fragile infants or full-term babies with feeding complications, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, or maternal supply delays
  • Adopted infants or babies whose mothers are unable to provide milk due to illness, medication use, or loss

Referral Process

Access:

  • Families can purchase up to 10 120-ml bottles without a prescription via partner pharmacies.
  • If more than 10 bottles are needed, a prescription from a physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner is required for families to order donor milk.
  • Physicians can submit a prescription with the required information by calling 403.475.6455, emailing [email protected], or faxing 1.888.334.4372.

Wait Time

• NMMB prioritizes hospital orders for medically fragile infants, so wait time is typically minimal for NICU or postpartum unit needs (often dispensed within 24 – 48 hours).
• For outpatient or home ordering, processing and delivery can take one – three business days, depending on courier schedules and regional pharmacy availability.