
MILK BANKS AND
BREASTFEEDING

MILK BANKS AND
BREASTFEEDING
BREASTFEEDING
Most mothers of newborns produce enough milk to provide all of the nutrients their babies require. But when a baby arrives early, the mother's milk may be delayed.
When baby's own mothers are ill or absent an alternative source of breast milk is necessary. Donor bank milk provides the answer; healthy breastfeeding mothers can donate their milk to these vulnerable infants.
Premature and sick infants are most at risk in acquiring additional illnesses and compromised immune systems, should they not receive breast milk.
What is a milk bank?
A donor milk bank is a service that screens, collects, processes and distributes human breast milk.
Who can donate?
Any mother who is breastfeeding her baby can donate her breast milk to a milk bank. She will need to undergo an HIV test and complete a health screening form which asks about common lifestyle factors.
Who can receive donated milk?
Vulnerable babies without access to their own mother's breast milk can receive donor breast milk. These vulnerable infants are premature infants, infants who's mothers are too sick, and infants who have been abandoned. They need breast milk because premature infants benefit from the superior nutritional and immunological properties of breast milk. It helps sick and vulnerable babies recover and grow more quickly. Breast milk also reduces the incidence of potentially fatal infections in premature infants.
Importance of breastfeeding
From the start
Spending time skin to skin with your new born baby helps bonding and breastfeeding. The first milk called colostrum is like your baby's first immunisation. The small quantities will increase when you feed your baby often. It should not be painful when your baby latches and suckles. Painful nipples are due to poor latching and can be corrected by a good latch.
Facts about breastfeeding
How to position and latch your baby
How do I know my baby is getting enough breast milk?
Top tips
Where can you find a milk bank?
South African Breast Milk Reserve
011 492 1209
info@sabr.org.za - www.sabr.org.za
Milk Matters
021 659 5599
info@milkmatters.org - www.milkmatters.org
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