Human Milk Foundation

Who we are

The Human Milk Foundation provides donor human milk to sick, premature babies in hospital neonatal intensive care units across England & Wales through the Hearts Milk Bank. Much like donated blood, donor human milk can help save lives. A condition called necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) kills more premature babies each year than childhood leukaemia. Human milk helps prevent NEC, so if mum's own milk is not available, donor milk acts as a medicine to protect the baby. We also support families in the community with specialist lactation services and donor milk provision where medically needed. Our charity is passionate about improving equitable access to human milk and supporting vital training, education and research programmes in this field. 

Our culture and values

We have a passionate team with a diverse range of expertise in medicine, midwifery, lactation support, psychology, global communications, digital marketing, PR, event planning and business management. We believe we are in a unique position to bring about social change as not only do we understand the medical, psychological and cultural landscape of breastfeeding but we also already have the supporting evidence for the solutions required, with published work in The BMJ, The Lancet, Journal of Maternal and Child Nutrition, Infant, RCPCH, RCM and British Association of Perinatal Medicine. Our team has a deep understanding of the history of these issues and of the importance of the WHO Code. We aim to be a nurturing environment which focuses on personal development, and we encourage developing independence and autonomy alongside the support of senior team members. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The HMF is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics).