Feeding Hope: Inside PAH’s New Donor Milk Program

Ripped from the headlines – featured in our Summer 2025 Thrive Magazine!

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White Rock, B.C. – When Nicole Gibson gave birth to her son Kane via c-section at Peace Arch Hospital, everything was new. She was healing and trying to begin breastfeeding, but with her milk not yet in, the stress of those early days began to build.

“Formula was so tough on his stomach,” Nicole explains. “It was a horrendous night because he wouldn’t stop throwing up and I just didn’t know what to do without milk.”

Then, a nurse offered her something she hadn’t expected: a small bottle labeled “Donor Milk.”

“It was a no brainer,” Nicole noted. “I didn’t know this program was offered at Peace Arch, so when it was, it was just one less thing to stress about and it really helped me soak up this new time. Kane used all the milk given to him too!”

With the help of a Peace Arch Hospital & Fraser Health Community Grant, the Pasteurized Donor Milk (PDHM) program at Peace Arch Hospital’s Maternity Department has officially rolled out, giving families access to donor milk when they need it most. This grant allowed Peace Arch to acquire the proper equipment to take part in this program, including a specialized fridge, freezer, milk warmer, and other supplies.

Peace Arch Hospital Foundation (PAHF) is proud to support this program through our PAH & FH Community Grant program. This granting program supports PAHF’s mission by offering financial support to projects, programs, and initiatives that enrich the health and wellness of our hospital and community. To do this, PAH & FH Community Grants are given to various programs, activities, renovations, and equipment that enhance patient comfort, care, and the staff experience within Peace Arch Hospital and the White Rock South Surrey area.  

In BC, the PDHM has been in operation since 1974, and is available through the Provincial Milk Bank (PMB). The PMB works with regional health authorities across BC to collect milk from donors and distribute PDHM to babies in need. First, the PMB screens donors. Once they receive donor milk, they process it through pasteurizing and various tests. Finally, when it is ready, PMB distributes the pasteurized donor milk to hospitals across BC, which now includes Peace Arch Hospital.

Kane and his parents were one of the first recipients of this precious resource and the PAH maternity team is so thankful to finally have this option to offer families.  

“I’m so grateful this was available for us,” Nicole remarks. “It gave Kane a natural option while we waited for my milk, and we just felt so supported through our hospital.”  

With this donor milk program at Peace Arch Hospital, families like Nicole’s can find comfort in knowing they have the hospital’s support in every step of their journey.  

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Looking to donate breast milk? Contact one of the Public Health Unit with a Milk Depot near you:

To learn more about other milk depots in BC and the donor milk screening process, visit BC Women’s Provincial Milk Bank.