Just as there continues to be a national blood crisis, milk banks are also in desperate need. While the two banks operate similarly, unfortunately, milk donation does not get the same type of public attention. For families in need, milk donation is a very real, reliable source of hope, treatment, and support.
Right now, all across the country – including right here at Union Hospital, The Milk Bank is seeing a surge in orders for safe, donor milk from our hospitals, NICUs, and outpatients. Milk donations are leaving as soon as they are processed. The health of premature infants depends on our ability to meet this need and overcome the shortage.
While human milk provides optimal nutrition for all infants, it is lifesaving medicine for the most critically ill babies. From providing bioactive properties to protect against infection to reducing the rates of dangerous health complications, the use of donor milk gives those born too small, too sick, or too soon the best chance at health and survival.
Since the start of the pandemic, The Milk Bank has seen a remarkable 41% growth in demand. And it has become clear that this level of need is not simply a spike but represents a sustained new normal – a standard of care.
The good news – we know the solution. We know what we must do to help save lives. We must increase milk donations. Each month, The Milk Bank must successfully screen and approve 84 milk donors.
If you are a breastfeeding parent, become a Milk Donor. Donate a little at a time throughout your breastfeeding journey or clean your freezer out and make a one-time donation.
Union Hospital is a Milk Depot/Donor Milk Express site for The Milk Bank.
Area donors, who have been approved, can drop off their excess breastmilk at Union Hospital. From there, the milk is sent to The Milk Bank where it is bottled, pasteurized, and tested for sterility by an independent lab. Once checked for safety, it is sent to ordering hospitals or outpatients with physician prescriptions.
To learn more about becoming a breastmilk donor, call The Milk Bank at 317.536.1670 or toll-free at 877.829.7470. For more information about Women’s Health Services at Union Health, visit myunionhealth.org