Buena Vista Regional Medical Center’s First Embrace Obstetrics is now working with Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa. Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa collects donations of human milk and then distribute to those in need.
The milk is available to hospitalized premature infants when their mother’s own milk is not available. Babies in neonatal intensive care unit are given priority to milk donations. Human milk provides optimal nutrition.
Milk is also sent to those born with immunological defects, mothers with insufficient milk supply, adopted infants or for mothers experiencing an illness requiring brief cessation of breastfeeding. A doctor’s prescription is required.
BVRMC encourages mothers who have more milk than their baby needs to consider milk donations. Participants go through a simple screening of answering verbal and written questions and a blood test.
There is no monetary compensation for donating milk. Donors help other mothers in need and are potentially saving the life of a baby in need of human milk.
Mothers at home collect milk and store frozen. Then they deliver to BVRMC. The Mother’s Milk Bank will send a courier out to pick up the milk and transport back to University of Iowa where it is processed, pasteurized and prepared for distribution.
“Human milk is full of immune system boosters and can help fight potentially life threatening infections, it’s like medicine to these vulnerable babies,” states Tracy Terry of BVRMC’s First Embrace Obstetrics.
If you are interested in donating milk call the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa at 1.877.891.5347 or Tracy Terry RNC-OB, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) at BVRMC’s First Embrace 712.213.8662.
BVRMC is the 34th depot in Iowa. By being a depot, BVRMC can better provide access for donors.
“It’s difficult for new moms to get out of the house, let alone drive a couple hours away to donate their milk,” explains Tracy Terry. “It’s important to make sure the program is successful and meets the needs of all those involved.”