© 2010, Carol Peterson, ICCE, CD(DONA) Erie, PA
Birth Journeys
Carol Peterson, ICCE, HCHI, CD(DONA)
Instilling Confidence in Birth Since 2004
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Got Milk to Spare? Share It! (Continued)
Why Use Donor Milk?
You may be surprised to know that the World Health Organization lists the use of donated milk above formula for infant and baby feeding. There are many reasons why a mom might not be able to produce enough milk. Most moms will just turn to formula without considering using donor milk, which is a safe alternative and really better for the baby. While the benefits are for any baby, these benefits become extremely important in the case of a premature or ill baby:
- optimal nutrition
- easy digestibility
- immunological protection against many organisms and diseases
- protects immature tissue
- promotes healing of tissue damaged by infection
- and more
Why Donate?
Many moms donate just because they want to help others. Some moms donate after the loss of a baby late in pregnancy or after birth. In cases such as these, donating milk is much like donating an organ. The knowledge that the loss is helping others can bring about healing after a very traumatic experience.
To Learn More...
If you are interested in donating milk, or learning more about the use of donated milk, please refer to the following websites:
International Milk Bank Initiative
AAP, Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk Policy Statement
(Editor’s Note: If you choose to accept donated breastmilk from an individual, do so carefully. Ideally, any potential candidate should be screened carefully, following the guidelines in this article.)