BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

Mom Sets World Record After Donating Over 422 Gallons of Breast Milk

Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra is the new Guinness World Record holder for the largest donation of breastmilk by an individual. The record achieved over three years reflects only a fraction of the 2,300 gallons she estimates to have donated in total.
save article
profile picture of Wyndi Kappes
By Wyndi Kappes, Assistant Editor
Published August 17, 2023
Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra
Image: Courtesy of Guinness World Records
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

For decades breast milk banks have been a lifeline for premature newborns and babies in need. During the 2022 formula shortage, the importance of milk banks became even more apparent as parents searched high and low for new ways to feed their babies. The work of these essential nonprofits would not be possible without the donations of mothers across the globe.

In some cases, supermoms like Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra, provide life-saving nutrition to babies they’ll never meet. And for Anderson-Sierra, it’s not just one or two children, the power pumper has touched thousands of lives with over 422 gallons of donated breast milk.

The Oregon mom of three was recently awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest donation of breastmilk by an individual. Between February 2015 and June 2018, Anderson-Sierra donated 1,599.68 liters of breast milk to various nonprofit milk banks.

The world record number represents a fraction of the milk Anderson-Sierra has donated over the past nine years. She estimates that she’s donated over 350,000 ounces or around 2,735 gallons of milk to local families and recipients worldwide who have been labeled as failure to thrive. “Being able to turn that around and [have] that label removed in so many different stories has just been everything to me,” she told Guinness World Records. “These are the things that I focus on. These are the positives and why I continue doing what I do.”

Anderson-Sierra has hyperlactation syndrome, a condition where breast milk overflow occurs because of increased milk production enabling her to produce and donate more breast milk than your typical breastfeeding or pumping mom.

A certified lactation consultant, Anderson-Sierra emphasizes that her pumping equipment also plays an important role in her ability to achieve this world record and give so much to so many. “When it comes to pumping, I call it ‘the dynamic duo’ - so have the correct flange size and have a powerhouse pump,” she said. “Pairing the right flange size and flange type or cup type with a powerhouse pump is going to do amazing things for your output and your journey.” A mobile pump from BabyBuddha has also been a game changer for Anderson-Sierra, who spends hours pumping each day and now isn’t forced to be tethered to a wall or bulky machine.

The world record holder is proud to have the experience and the influence to work with different breast pump companies to develop new technologies and support moms on their breastfeeding journeys. “I’m really hopeful that breaking this record and sharing my story will normalize milk sharing,” Anderson-Sierra noted.

If you’re considering donating breast milk, formal milk banking services like Human Milk Banking Association of North America exist to properly screen and store breast milk.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Pumping Bras Hero
The Best Pumping Bras to Free Up Your Hands
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
mother wearing a nursing bra while breastfeeding baby in bed
The Best Nursing Bras, According to Breastfeeding Moms
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
bee + roo cashmere nursing cover
The Best Nursing Covers for Breastfeeding on the Go
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
mother breastfeeding baby
11 Best Nursing Tank Tops for New Moms
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
femtech brand elvie creates floral breast sculptures installed in central park
Elvie's New Campaign Involves “Floral Breast” Installations in NYC
By Nehal Aggarwal
Best Gifts For 3 Year-Old Hero
The Best Gifts and Toys for 3-Year-Olds
By Christina Vercelletto
best-gifts-1-year-old-HERO
40 Best Gifts for 1-Year-Old Kiddos of 2023
By Cassie Kreitner
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Toddler Snacks-hero
The 8 Best Toddler Snacks for Well-Balanced Diets
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
Baby Plates Bowls-hero
The Best Baby Plates and Bowls for Stress-Free Feeding
By Danielle Halibey
Best Vitamins for Kids
The Best Vitamins for Kids (According to Experts)
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
Toy Hero
Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds to Take Playtime to the Next Level
By Martina Garvey
Best Head Lice Treatments
The Best Head Lice Treatments for Toddlers and Preschoolers
By Martina Garvey
tb-nursery-blackout-curtains-HERO
The Best Nursery Blackout Curtains for Baby’s Nursery
By Martina Garvey
ADVERTISEMENT
The-Best-Toddler-Floor-Beds-Hero
The Best Toddler Floor Beds to Promote Independence
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
teacher appreciation gifts-hero
Sweet and Simple Gifts Your Child’s Daycare Teacher Will Love
By Danielle Halibey
toddler using tablet on couch at home
The Best Tablets for Toddlers to Keep Kiddos Engaged and Entertained
By Christin Perry
toddler boy sleeping in toddler bed at night
11 Best Toddler Beds for Little Sleepyheads
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
toddler sleeping in bed
Best Toddler Pillows for a Comfy Night of Sleep
By Danielle Halibey
Toddler Chairs
The Best Toddler Chairs for Lounging at Home and Outside
By Caroline Dweck
toddler sitting on bed waving hello
How to Teach Toddlers About Appropriate Greetings and Boundaries
By Lauren Barth
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.