The value of breast milk and breastfeeding is finally being realized in the United States. But, there are some moms who are unable to produce milk of their own for their infants. Many times these infants are preemies who really need breast milk to grow and thrive.
The lack of donations and increased need is not isolated to North Carolina. Human milk banks across the country are experiencing similar trend as more and more hospitals and mothers learn about the benefits of breast milk.
“Often the mom of preemie will seek breast milk from the bank to feed their infants if they are not able to produce milk or they cannot produce enough milk,” said Sue Evans, executive director of the WakeMed Mother’s Milk Bank. “Then, the neonatologist will see how well the baby does and starts to order greater and greater quantities of milk. This trend, coupled with the fact that we are the largest of two milk banks serving the entire east coast, creates supply and demand issues.”
What can you do to help? If you are a lactating mother who is healthy, does not drink, smoke or use certain medications and has an excess of milk, please contact the milk bank by calling (919) 350-8599. You can also click hereto learn more about donating to WakeMed Mothers’ Milk Bank.
Sue Evans is a lactation specialist and director of the WakeMed Mothers’ Milk Bank.
Every day in the WakeMed Mother’s Milk Bank, mothers and doctors trying to secure milk for babies are regretfully declined due to a significantly increased demand. Healthy, lactating mothers we need your help.
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