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Saving Lives, One Drop At A Time
Join us in giving premature and fragile babies the best start in life. Every drop of donated breastmilk is a gift of nourishment, comfort, and hope.
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I want to donate Milk
Your milk can be a lifeline. By sharing your breastmilk, you give a vulnerable baby the strength to grow, to heal, and to thrive.
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I am a Parent
Your milk can be a lifeline. By sharing your breastmilk, you give a vulnerable baby the strength to grow, to heal, and to thrive.
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I am a Clinician
Help save lives by donating your excess breastmilk to babies in need. Your gift can make all the difference.
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We Are More Than Just A Breastmilk Bank
For 18+ years, the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR) has been weaving together stories of resilience, hope, and unconditional love. Every drop we collect carries with it a mother's devotion and a community's embrace around our most vulnerable little ones.
Our Heart in Numbers
  • 30 sanctuaries of nourishment
    Our milk banking facilities across the nation, each one a beacon of hope for families when they need it most.
  • 31,367 precious lives touched
    Every premature baby we've helped represents a family's prayers answered, a future brightened, and dreams kept alive since 2003.
  • Over 5,700 tiny hearts fed
    Each year, thousands of infants receive milk mothers who understand that love multiplies when shared.
Donate Milk Support Us Learn More
SoSAFE: Our Promise to Every Baby
We are excited to announce the launch of SoSAFE, our state-of-the-art breastmilk pasteuriser designed to ensure the highest safety standards. The SoSAFE pasteuriser is IEC certified for laboratory equipment safety, making it a reliable choice for hospitals and milk banks globally.
Safety
Ensures breastmilk is free from harmful pathogens.
Efficiency
Streamlines the pasteurisation process, saving time and resources.
Accessibility
Designed for ease of use in diverse healthcare settings.
Learn Our Safety Standards See Quality Protocols

Interested in implementing SoSAFE in your facility?

Contact us at SoSafe@sabr.org.za for more information on how to get started.


Discover how we maintain the highest standards for every precious drop

Make Your Hospital Breastmilk Smart
We establish and support in-hospital human milk banks, ensuring compliance with national health standards while expanding access to donor breastmilk.
Cutting-Edge Solutions
Featuring SoSAFE's innovative "Breastmilk-in-a-Box" with affordable pasteurisers and rapid testing technology.
Comprehensive Care
From milk processing to maternal health services, we equip hospitals to meet critical neonatal care needs.
Expanding Access
44 human milk banks established nationwide, bridging the gap for underserved communities.
Let's transform infant care together.
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The Tree of Life:

Stories of Love and Survival

Donor moms, recipient families, and healthcare workers share how every drop truly counts.

testimonial

Baby Ngobeni

Life Daleview Hospital

"As a new mom struggling with breastfeeding, I just want to say thank you for the milk you've been providing me. My baby is healthy and getting stronger every day. What a beautiful testimony — my baby is growing so nicely with your donor milk. Thank you so much, team. Keep it up!"

Tracy Ann Swanepoel

Breastmilk Donor

"My baby didn't take a bottle, and because I worked until 12h00, I ended up throwing away one feed every day. One night, I saw a post on Facebook about the Milkbank and immediately registered — it was super easy. Donating meant so much to me because I knew my milk wasn't going to waste. I felt complete and expressed with a smile. I wish more moms would donate and save more babies — they are our future. Thank you, Milkbank, for making donating so easy and comfortable."
testimonial

Annarie Theron

Breastmilk Donor

"Being a donor mom has been such a privilege. Since the beginning of 2025, I have donated 443 units of breastmilk, helping to feed 53 babies in the NICU — and my journey is still continuing. Each drop feels like a small gift of strength and love for a baby in need. It's humbling to know that something so natural can make such a difference."
testimonial

Pepita Emeyene

Breastmilk Donor

"We lost our first child due to health complications, and one of the hardest parts was that she could not be fed properly. Sometimes we could only express a few millilitres of milk for her, and the formula available was too harsh. By God's grace, we have had more babies since. I now donate as much milk as I can, hoping another mother will have the help she needs to keep her baby strong in a natural way during hospital care."
testimonial

Kaylin Wilson

Breastmilk Donor

"As a mom, breastfeeding has been one of the most beautiful and fulfilling journeys of my life. Being able to nourish my own children and still have enough to donate 868 units of milk — feeding 63 precious little ones — has been such a blessing. I want to encourage every mother: your milk is powerful, your body is amazing, and every drop truly makes a difference."
testimonial

Nthabiseng Qhesi

Breastmilk Donor

"As an African mother, I grew up in a culture where I never knew a programme like this even existed. We were never exposed to the idea of donating breastmilk. When I discovered that it was possible, I was overjoyed. I started donating in January 2024 and, as someone who produces more milk than my baby needs, I have felt blessed to share the extra. So far, I have donated around 289 units of breastmilk, and I am very proud knowing that my milk has helped save the lives of other babies."
testimonial

Gomotseng Ndlovu Mannya

Breastmilk Donor

"My baby and I were proud breastmilk donors in 2024. Together, we donated 205 units of breastmilk, feeding 14 premature babies. To upcoming new moms, I would like to say: Breastmilk gives life to our children. As mothers, it is our duty, where possible, to share our breastmilk to give life and spread love to as many children as we can."
testimonial

Dr Harri Surti

Neonatologist

"This little girl was born at just 28 weeks in October 2016, weighing only 1.18kg. In her first few days in the NICU, she received donor expressed breastmilk from the South African Breastmilk Reserve, giving her the vital start she needed until her mother's own milk supply came in. She went on to be exclusively breastfed until one year of age — and today, she's a healthy, thriving 8-year-old. A true testament to the life-saving power of breastmilk."
testimonial

Barbra Van den Merwe

Breastmilk Donor

"The surprise diagnosis of Down Syndrome meant my breastfeeding journey looked a little different than I had envisioned. Little Stella-Marie's AVSD meant she would be receiving expressed milk. As an oversupplier, I need SABR just as much as they need me! It's a blessing to be able to bless other mommies and babies — all because of this little extra chromosome."
testimonial

Linda-Ann Swart

Breastmilk Donor

"Donating breastmilk has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my motherhood journey. When I discovered in 2018 — and again in 2023 — that my milk could help nourish and care for babies in need, I felt a deep sense of purpose and decided to continue for as long as possible. The process was straightforward, and I often imagined tiny hands holding the bottles, tiny bodies growing stronger with each feeding. It's my way of showing love and care for children beyond my own."
testimonial

Lihlethu Mhlongo

Born at Nelspruit Mediclinic

"Lihlethu was born on 12 March 2025 at Nelspruit Mediclinic, weighing just 1.39 kg. Today, she is thriving at 5.7 kg — a beautiful reminder of how far our tiniest fighters can come."
testimonial

Shanta Bosman

Breastmilk Donor

"Breastmilk donation, to me, is an act of connection — a way of giving life, health, and hope from one mother to another. It's more than just milk; it's hours of nourishment, antibodies, comfort, and care packaged into every drop. Knowing that my milk can help a baby thrive when their own mother's supply is limited fills my heart with gratitude and joy. It's a quiet reminder that we are part of a wider community, lifting each other up in the most fundamental way possible — by helping the tiniest among us have a stronger start."
testimonial

Kyle Schenck

Parent, Wilgers Hospital

"Liebe Hunter Schenck was born at just 31 weeks. With her mom in ICU and unable to produce milk, we were desperate for help. The South African Breastmilk Reserve stepped in, and I was able to purchase donor milk for our little miracle. I placed the order in the afternoon, and by the next morning, the hospital had received the milk. The service was top-notch — friendly, professional, and deeply caring. I can't recommend them enough."
testimonial

Sr Monageng

Unit Manager, Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital

"Donating breastmilk gives small, vulnerable babies a fighting chance — boosting their immunity to help defend against harmful pathogens. At Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital, most of our recipients are babies weighing under 1 kilogram. Thanks to access to donor breastmilk, we've seen a significant improvement in survival rates. Attached is a photo of one of our mothers breastfeeding her baby (not premature), and our dedicated milk bank champion, Sister Topp — both proudly part of this life-saving journey."

Yamini

Sandton Mediclinic NICU Team

"To the South African Breastmilk Reserve team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your life-changing work. Your dedication to providing breastmilk for vulnerable neonatal babies is truly appreciated. And to the amazing donor moms — thank you for your selflessness and generosity in sharing your precious milk. Your contributions are making a real difference in the lives of these tiny humans."
testimonial

Stefanie Botha

Breastmilk Donor

"Being able to donate is my way of giving something to the ones who will change the world. Children are our future, and every single one — no matter the world they are born into — deserves the best. And as we know, breast is best. With every drop of donated milk, I pray for success and growth for those who drink it."
testimonial

Nikita & Jeremy Foord

Parents

"Our baby girl was born prematurely at just 27 weeks and 5 days, and my milk supply had not yet come in. The doctors needed to start feeding her immediately so she could gain weight, as she was extremely underweight. That's when one of the front desk nurses quietly handed me a small note with a number on it. Through that number, I was connected to the South African Breastmilk Reserve and received the most incredible service and support. I want to express my deepest gratitude — not only to SABR for their assistance, but also to every mother selfless enough to donate."
Join Us In Our Mission To Provide Life-Saving
Breastmilk To Premature Babies Worldwide
156

NICU supported with human milk banking service

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Begin Helping Today

Human-centered programs bringing milk, care, and hope where it's needed most. Help us fund a miracle.

Feed for Life Initiative
Our Feed for Life Initiative isn't just a program - it's a lifeline woven with love, reaching into every corner of South Africa where tiny hearts beat with determination and families hold onto hope.
Where time
matters most
We focus our tender care on our earliest arrivals, wrapping them in nutrition that speaks the language their tiny bodies understand.
Our promise
travels far
pasteurised donor breastmilk like precious cargo to NICUs nationwide, because distance should never determine a baby's destiny.
Sustainable Impact
Strengthening neonatal care in underserved rural areas through partnerships with Provincial Departments of Health.
Together, we can provide a healthier start for every baby.
Support Feed for Life
SOStainer: Mobile Healthcare
The SOStainer Mobile Clinic delivers essential healthcare services, including breastfeeding support, immunisations, and breastmilk pasteurisation, directly to underserved communities.

Solar-powered and versatile, it's a vital resource for supporting mothers and young children.
Explore SOStainer
Making it Possible
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Donate Breastmilk

Your milk can provide vital nourishment for babies in need.

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Volunteer Your Time

From collections and deliveries to assisting the SABR team, volunteers help us make it all happen.

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Donate

Help us save lives. Your financial contribution supports SABR's programmes, bringing life-saving donor breastmilk and care to vulnerable infants across SA.

Fund a Miracle
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I am a Parent

If your baby can't receive milk from you, we're here to help. Donated breastmilk is love in liquid form - giving your child the best possible start when they need it most.
Coming Soon

I am a Clinician

If your baby can't receive milk from you, we're here to help. Donated breastmilk is love in liquid form - giving your child the best possible start when they need it most.

Take the Next
Step

Bring SoSAFE to your facility and set a new standard in breastmilk safety.

Ready to Learn More?

Email us at SoSafe@sabr.org.za to explore implementation options, pricing details, and how SoSAFE fits into your existing infrastructure.

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