Often when babies are born babies born prematurely their mother’s milk is not yet quite ready, or baby might not be strong enough to suckle. To help new bubs thrive until their mother’s own supply is established, the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s program donates pasteurised human milk to bridge the gap.
Vulnerable babies across New South Wales will now benefit from expanded access to the program which has facilitated the collection and supply of pasteurised donor human milk since 2018.
Pasteurised donor human milk provides an important alternative feeding option to babies born prematurely. A mother’s own milk is always the preferred feeding option, however a proportion of premature babies may require additional milk until their mother’s own supply is established.
An additional 28 public hospitals in New South Wales are now eligible to order pasteurised donor human milk from Lifeblood, increasing the total number of eligible public hospitals to 37.
Human milk ‘on demand’
Participating hospitals can order pasteurised donor human milk ‘on demand’ for eligible babies born before 32 weeks or weighing less than 1500 grams, or who are at high risk of certain medical conditions.
The expansion means donated pasteurised human milk will now be available in Special Care units, including in regional areas such as Dubbo, Gosford, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga and Lismore.
Special Care Units provide specialised care for babies who require additional support but do not need the intensive monitoring and care provided in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Previously, donated pasteurised human milk was only available to babies receiving care in NICUs, which provide the highest level of care for critically ill and extremely premature newborns.
Program participant Hannah Top, said having access to donor breast milk is something every mother should be able to do, regardless of where they live. ‘It meant so much to me that my girls were able to access the benefits of breastmilk in their early days, and I’m so proud to donate my milk to give other mothers the opportunity I had.’
Since the service began in 2018, almost 3,000 mothers have supplied 24,000 litres breast milk nationally, and more than 15,000 litres have been sent to New South Wales hospitals.
To learn more about donated human milk visit: www.lifeblood.com.au/milk.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
