Breast Milk Saves Lives

Did you know that every year in Ireland breastmilk saves lives?  At the Human Milk Bank in Fermanagh, breast milk is collected and processed before being made available to neonatal units and hospitals right across the country.  The Milk Bank issues over 1,000 litres of breast milk every year, helping in the region of 700 babies. There are over 200 mums donating, including some incredibly selfless warrior mommas who have lost their own babies and choose to donate milk to honour their child's memory.

In order to donate, babies must be 6 months or under, although this limit can vary from time to time. I collected milk until Ruairí was 7 months old.  My initial chat with the bank included a detailed conversation about my health and history.  Expressed breast milk is collected in pre-sterilised 7 ounce bottles, named, dated and frozen.  Every donating Mum has their blood screened for infectious diseases.  Receiving a blood transfusion or IVF treatment, in addition to some medications automatically rule out donation. Mums are asked not to express for 48 hours after taking over the counter medications or herbal treatments.

The frozen milk and blood sample are sent on in insulated storage containers.  Once it’s received, donor milk is checked for protein and fat content.  It is pasteurised and rechecked for bacteria. After this thorough screening process, milk is sent out to hospitals for the babies in their care.  Donated milk is matched to babies of a similar age.  The list of benefits provided by breast milk is pretty endless.  From lower incidences of asthma, eczema, diabetes and childhood infections to better health outcomes in later life, the research is well documented. Antibodies strengthen the immune system and help fight viruses.  Of particular importance is the protection it provides against Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially life threatening condition affecting a baby’s gut.  Babies born prematurely or with a heart condition are particularly susceptible to NEC.  Research suggests that babies who receive donor breast milk are at a reduced risk of developing this condition (some studies suggest by as much as 79%). Truly for some infants receiving breast milk is a matter of life or death.

Separation from baby, maternal illness, and supply issues are all reasons a family may opt to use donor milk for their baby.  Donor milk is also given to mums feeding multiple babies.  Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold and anyone who has ever expressed milk will testify to the fact that every drop counts.  Breastfeeding, expressing breast milk and bottle feeding, donating milk - it's not always easy but it is definitely up there with the most rewarding things I have done.  It has given my children a great start in life and thanks to the work of the Milk Bank, my milk has helped other precious little ones recover from surgery.  

You can contact the Milk Bank on 048 686 28333 and you can learn more about expressing and storing breastmilk at our Breastfeeding Workshops. Visit www.thebabyroom.ie for more information.