Alyse Ogletree: The Remarkable Woman Who Donated Over 2,600 Litres of Lifesaving Breast Milk

Alyse Ogletree, a 36-year-old mother from Texas, has become an inspiring global symbol of compassion and dedication. She holds the Guinness World Record for the largest breast milk donation ever made by an individual, an extraordinary total of 2,645.58 litres—equivalent to roughly 700 gallons. Her unprecedented act of generosity has provided essential nutrition to hundreds of thousands of premature and medically fragile infants who depend on donor milk for survival.

Alyse’s journey into breast milk donation began in 2010 after the birth of her first son, Kyle. When he was hospitalized shortly after birth, Alyse discovered that she was producing far more milk than he could consume. Realizing the life-saving potential of this surplus, the hospital staff encouraged her to reach out to certified milk banks. This early experience transformed what could have been a personal challenge into a mission that would continue for more than a decade.

Maintaining such a high level of milk donation was no simple task. Alyse followed a disciplined and rigorous pumping schedule, expressing milk every 3–4 hours, day and night. She carefully supported her production by staying hydrated, eating nutrient-dense meals, and maintaining a lifestyle that allowed her to consistently sustain her milk supply. Her commitment extended across multiple pregnancies and even during periods when she served as a surrogate—demonstrating extraordinary perseverance and generosity.

Alyse has broken the world record not once, but twice. She first achieved the Guinness title in 2014 and then surpassed her own record again in 2023, solidifying her status as the most prolific individual breast milk donor ever documented. According to the Milk Bank of North Texas, she donated nearly 90,000 ounces (over 2,600 litres) to their facility alone, in addition to thousands more ounces that she shared with other milk banks and families in need.

The impact of her donations cannot be overstated. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) shows that donor breast milk can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening complications in premature infants, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), one of the leading causes of infant mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Since each ounce of breast milk can nourish up to three premature babies, Alyse’s contributions have supported the recovery and growth of an estimated 350,000 newborns.

Beyond the sheer numbers, Alyse’s story carries an emotional and humanitarian message. She consistently emphasizes that anyone with surplus breast milk can make a meaningful difference. By donating through regulated, certified milk banks—where milk is carefully screened, pasteurized, and distributed—donors can directly support the most vulnerable infants. Her work exemplifies how a single act of generosity, repeated over time, can evolve into a life-saving legacy.

Alyse Ogletree’s remarkable dedication stands as a powerful reminder of how everyday individuals can make extraordinary contributions to the world. Her record-breaking donations highlight not only her personal compassion but also the critical importance of donor milk in modern neonatal care. Her message remains clear and heartfelt: if you have more than your baby needs, consider donating—it could save a life.