The standard wisdom over the last decade or two has been that "Breast is Best" for feeding infants, newborns and preemies. But sometimes, mothers are unable to give their vulnerable babies the breast milk they wish they could. This is where milk banks step in, offering human breast milk for babies in need, donated by nursing moms who have extra to give.
How does a milk bank work?
Milk banks collect donations from lactating mothers who pump their extra milk for donation. The banks screen potential donors for diseases to assure a safe supply and most require a minimum donation, usually around 100 ounces of milk. All costs associated with screening, shipping, storing and getting the milk to babies who need it are covered by the milk bank. The milk is then sterilized, frozen and pooled before being sent to babies.
Why not just feed formula?
Breast milk is generally considered better for babies than formula, especially for the most vulnerable infants, such as premature or ill babies. The antibodies and other protective components in milk can't be replicated by formula.
OK, I'm convinced. How can I donate breast milk to babies in need?
You can contact the Human Milk Banking Association of North America to get screened as a donor. For New Orleans mothers interested in donating, the closest milk banks are in Ft. Worth, TX and Austin, TX. Contact either bank for information about how to donate or contact a local certified lactation consultant.
Some lactation consultants in the New Orleans area are:
Dewuan Magee RN, BSN, IBCLC, RLC at West Jefferson Medical Center, reachable by phone at 504-349-2173.
Renee Riddick and Traci Dufrene at Baby's Way Lactation, reachable at 985-308-0069
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