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May 09, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Donor milk is always in short supply. More donors are always needed. The biggest stumbling block for donors is getting the milk to BC Women's Provincial Milk Bank. Once the mother has collected 150 ounces she must arrange transportation for the milk.
BMIK wants to make that process easier. We are planning aMilk Drive. Volunteer mothers who have more milk than they need for their baby can collect and store their milk. Once there is 200 lbs. (3200 ounces) in the community, BMIK will arrange collection and shipping.
With this process, once mothers are screened and approved by B.C.
Women’s Provincial Milk Bank, BMIK will accept any amount they can donate. 10 ounces or 150 ounces — every once is precious and important.
Currently, if a family in Royal Inland Hospital does not have enough breastmilk for their preterm infant, they give formula or the parents must request Human Donor Milk and it may not be available. BMIK would like to see Human Donor Milk the method of providing milk to all at risk infants until their mother can provide the needed amount.
Milk from baby's own mother is always best, but when it is not available or not enough, then Human Donor Milk is the next best choice and recommended by the Canadian Pediatric Society. Donor milk has active beneficial properties and is similar to mother's own milk.
For preterm babies Human Donor Milk:
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Reduces NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) by 79%
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Lowers the risk of infection
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Helps with brain growth and development
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Provides immune protection
News from © iNFOnews, 2016