Donor Breast Milk Now an Option for Babies in Need
The first donor milk delivery arrived this week from Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast, a Massachusetts-based organization that is certified by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, and will be given only to babies who are exclusively breastfed and have a medical need for supplementation. The milk will help mothers until they are able to increase their own milk production, says Brianna McNally, a lactation consultant for the Hospital’s Pregnancy & Birth Center. McNally adds that breastfeeding a baby results in many health benefits. For example, breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight off viruses and bacteria.
The donor milk was delivered frozen to the Hospital this week in 20 small containers and will remain frozen until used. Its freezer life is six months.
Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast receives milk from generous donors, pasteurizes it and checks it for any bacterial growth before sending it to hospitals for distribution. The organization also screens its donors to help ensure that the milk is safe for consumption. To review donor guidelines, visit www.milkbankne.org/donate.
Donor breast milk provides moms with an option other than formula, says Laura Pittari, the lead neonatal nurse practitioner at Middlesex Hospital’s Pregnancy & Birth center. “There are many babies that qualify,” she says.
The concept of providing donor breast milk is not new. A handful of Connecticut hospitals currently offer donor breast milk in their level III neonatal intensive care units. At Middlesex Hospital, donor milk is now being offered in its level II special care nursery.
The Hospital is able to offer donor milk because of funding from the Peach Pit Foundation, which covered the cost of the initial delivery. Foundation trustee Jessica Scheff had two babies at Middlesex Hospital, and they would have benefited from donor breast milk had it been available at the time.
“I feel strongly that moms who want to exclusively breastfeed their children should be given as much support as possible in that process,” Scheff says. “For one reason or another, babies may require supplementation early on. Having the option to provide an alternative to formula whenever possible is better for babies and can give great peace of mind to others. The Peach Pit Foundation is happy to support Middlesex Hospital in offering this valuable option to local families.”
Milk deliveries will be made to Middlesex Hospital based on need. Families who leave the Hospital, but still need a little help, can purchase donor milk privately. The milk is currently not covered by insurance.
“We are always looking for ways to help new moms and infants who need a little extra care,” Pittari says. “This is one small way we can help make a difference in their lives.”
Contact Information
Public Relations Director
Amanda Falcone
860-358-6980
amanda.falcone@midhosp.org
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