Requesting an Exception for Donor Milk

Thank you for your considering donor milk for your child! This page is for families who would like to request an exception to order beyond our standard eligibility guidelines.

Requesting a Medical Exception for Donor Milk

At UC Health Milk Bank, our mission is to increase equitable access to pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM), with priority given to infants who are medically fragile or have documented medical needs. We know that every family's situation is unique, and in some cases, babies may benefit from donor milk even if they do not meet our standard ordering criteria.

When this happens, families may request a medical exception for clinical review.

What Is a Medical Exception?

A medical exception is a review process that allows our medical team to thoughtfully consider requests for donor milk when standard eligibility criteria are not met. Because donor milk is a limited resource, this process helps ensure it is used safely, responsibly, and as equitably as possible.

To request an exception, we require a letter of medical necessity from your baby's healthcare provider.

When Might an Exception Be Considered?

Medical need for PDHM may include, but is not limited to:

  • Very low birth weight (<1500g) or premature (<32 weeks)
  • Gastrointestinal anomaly, metabolic/digestive disorder, or recovery from intestinal surgery 
  • Severe formula intolerance with documented feeding difficulty, weight loss, or medical contraindications to formula
  • Congenital heart disease, pre/post organ transplant
  • Other serious health conditions when the use of banked donor human milk is medically necessary and supports the treatment and recovery of the infant

What Families Need to Do

  1. Share our Provider Letter & Instructions
    Provide your baby's healthcare provider with the UC Health Milk Bank Provider Letter and Instructions. This document explains the process and outlines what information is needed for review.
  2. Allow Time for Medical Review
    You may email or fax a copy. Once the letter is received, our medical team will review the information and notify you if an exception is approved or if additional details are needed.

Click below to see attachment: 

Provider Letter and Instructions

UC Health Milk Bank

Email: getmilk@health.ucsd.edu

Phone: (858)249-MILK (6455)

Fax: (858_732-0870