Breast milk bank to be set up to boost supplies for premature babies
By
Beezy Marsh
Last updated at 1:38 AM on 01st December 2008
National breast milk banks are to be set up to give thousands of premature babies the best start in life
A national breast milk bank is to be set up to give thousands of babies the best start in life.
The Department of Health has ordered its clinical watchdog NICE to draw up guidance on the safety and running of donor milk banks.
When it reports next year it is expected to recommend that the new service be run according to strict safety procedures similar to those of the National Blood Service.
Britain has 17 donor breast milk banks run by NHS hospital trusts working with a specialist charity.
But because they are run by separate trusts it is feared safety standards may vary between individual hospitals.
There are also concerns that some premature babies could be missing out on the benefits of breast milk because trusts do not always share their donor milk with neighbouring hospitals.
Dozens of premature babies are fed on donated breast milk while in hospital. It comes from 1,000 mothers who give an estimated 5,000 litres a year.
Breast milk - even when donated by a stranger - is more easily digested than formula, and contains antibodies which help boost a baby's immune system, as well as omega-3 fatty acids crucial for brain development.
Studies have shown breast-fed babies are less likely to suffer sickness, asthma and eczema, and may even be brighter than their formula-fed counterparts.
A premature baby fights for its life and many are fed on donated breast milk while in hospital
The number of babies born before 37 weeks is rising, with one infant in every eight being born prematurely. That is 82,000 babies a year, 22,000 of whom need intensive care.
The chances of survival for these babies have improved in recent years, meaning the demand for donated breast milk is likely to increase.
Gillian Weaver, of the UK Association for Milk Banking, a registered charity which works with NHS trusts, said: 'There are some organisations which are supportive, and one milk bank relies on charitable donations but most milk banks in the UK are fully funded by individual NHS trusts.
'Sick and premature babies in these hospitals have access to donor milk, but similar babies in another part of town might not.
'I hope the NICE guideline will facilitate the future development of regional services and hopefully eventually a national and truly equitable service.'
She added: 'Babies born preterm with an immature gut benefit most, particularly in the early days following their birth. Small premature babies benefit from even the tiniest quantities of breast milk.
'One ounce of milk will feed a premature baby for a day.'
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If we had more maternity staff who actually understand breast feeding (& how to express) the baby's own mother would be able to give her own milk. From experience, understanding as most stff are, they know nothing whatsoever about the technicalities of breast-feeding. Sitting a woman down with a pump just doesn't work & can leave her feeling woefully inadequate. A bit of proper coaching & she'll be seeing her baby being fed her own milk within the hour.
Excellent move.
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This is an excellent move. I don't understand why milk bank was never mentioned in antinatal classes, none of the health care professionals made mention of it and i only read about it few months ago on daily mail when a mother of premature baby shared her experience.
Actually, the NHS needs to do more on this and encourage women to donate. I would have donated gladly instead of wasting my milk. All my three children are breastfed exclusively for the first 6months then beastfed until they are one. To me, it is the best gift i can give them and if someone's milk could give a premature baby better chances in life why not.
Like Mandy said, most of the maternity staffs do not understand the technicallity of breastfeeding while trying to help,they complicate the whole process more. When i had my first child, the midwife was teaching me how to breastfeed, the techinique she was using was soo frustating for my baby and myself. I decided to do it my way and that was it, instincts.
- myview, Tyne and Wear, 01/12/2008 11:33