Milk banking
Milk banks supply donor breast milk for babies in neonatal intensive care units.
They collect expressed breast milk from healthy moms who have a good supply. The milk is then fed to sick or premature babies whose mothers may be unable to supply their own milk.
Breast milk is such amazing food for babies that for ill or premature infants, receiving this type of sustenance could save their lives. Breast milk is more easily digested and is a baby’s optimal form of nutrition. It also contains vital antibodies that will help boost a preemie’s weak immune system and unique growth factors that protect his immature tissues, promote healing in any tissue damaged by infection and help his gastrointestinal system to mature faster.
If you decide to donate milk you’ll have a general health screen (you can’t donate if you have certain medical conditions, for example HIV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis). You also won’t be a suitable donor if you smoke, drink two or more ounces of alcohol on a daily basis, or take illegal drugs. Taking regular medication, including megavitamins and herbal supplements, may also rule you out although milk bank guidelines differ on this (you can donate if you’re on the progestin-only contraceptive pill or taking insulin). Living abroad can also be a factor though this may depend on where and when you did so. If you clear the screening process you need to be willing to donate at least 100 ounces of milk (some milk banks require more than this).
If you’re interested in becoming a donor, the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (http://www.hmbana.org/) has a state-by-state milk bank locator. You can also find out more on this subject by watching our video, milk banking.
Why not chat to other moms about this, or other topics, by leaving a message on the feeding and food area of our chat forum? Alternately, if you want to meet other moms in your area with similar age babies, visit our people section to find out what’s happening in your area, or join or start one of our groups.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.