Breast milk banks on the rise
Nonprofit breast milk banks are popping up across North America, thanks to an increase in research showing donated breast milk can nurture babies just as well as their mother’s own milk.
Five new milk banks are expected to open this year in the United States and Canada, bringing the total number up to 22, according to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.
Health experts have long recognized the value of breastfeeding, but a mother’s milk is not always available in the supply needed, according to Lisa Plucinski MSN, RN, Coordinator of Lactation Services at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois.
“In these cases, breast milk banks provide a valuable resource for infants, especially if they are premature or underweight,” Plusinski said. “Breast milk is like a medication for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and can help protect them from life threatening illnesses.”
According to the March of Dimes, one in 10 infants born in the United States is admitted to the NICU, and when given human milk, these infants have less infections and gastrointestinal issues, and improved vision, among other benefits.
But be wary of where your milk supply comes from. Moms who supplement their breast milk supply by buying online may be doing more harm than good, according to a recent study in the journal Pediatrics.
After analyzing breast milk samples from a popular online site, researchers found nearly three in four samples were found to be contaminated with bacteria that could cause illness in babies.
“Breast milk donated or sold online is often tainted,” Plusinski said. “Donor milk banks have a thorough screening and a pasteurization process to ensure safety.”
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America has established strict requirements for women wanting to donate breast milk. Mothers must be:
- In good health
- Not regularly on most medications or herbal supplements (with some exceptions, such as prenatal vitamins)
- Willing to undergo blood testing (at the milk bank’s expense)
- Willing to donate at least 100 ounces of milk (though some banks have a higher minimum)
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Glad to see the expansion of this great idea!
I have a friend that just enrolled to donate at her local milk bank. It was a long process to ensure the integrity of the her milk, but she is thrilled to be able to share her “liquid gold” with others. I personally think it’s a great idea!
This is a very interesting topic with tons of comments! Wow!!! I have a friend who ate a horrible diet during her pregnancy and still eats a pretty bad diet. I don’t think I would want her milk or if I got it, I would supplement with my own homemade baby food. I have other friends with better diets, and I would use their milk, but I’d still make my own formula. Diet is so important.
Thanks for this blog. It’s very interesting!!!