banked milk anyone?

We are doing a study with donor breastmilk. We currently have 10 kids on the study. Because it is a study, the insurance companies aren't billed, but it is $$$$$$.

We just finished a study on it. I REALLY hope that as a result we start a milk bank!

Honestly, when I have kids, I don't want any formula for my baby. I will find a wet nurse if I can't provide!

We need more banks out there!

Really? No one else?

I just wondered cause I am also a member of a really busy board that focuses alot on breastfeeding. There is a section for NI moms, and alot of them are able to give their kids banked breastmilk, somehow.

What about if a mom is not interested in pumping at all? Do you still use DBM or is that pointless because the kid will be on formula at home?

We don't even have the option (that I'm aware of) of DBM where I currently work.

We don't use it at all. I had one primary who lived for about three months but was fed very little and her mom had a huge, huge supply, and there was talk of her donating all the frozen leftover milk to a bank, but I don't think it actually happened.

We don't use it at all. I had one primary who lived for about three months but was fed very little and her mom had a huge, huge supply, and there was talk of her donating all the frozen leftover milk to a bank, but I don't think it actually happened.

Awwww...that's too bad:( Don't people realize BM is LIQUID GOLD???

Makes me mad when it goes to waste:angryfire

While our hospital has to order it (we don't have our own bank at my hospital), we don't charge for it, being the NHS. The parents have to consent to us using DEBM. We do encourage the mother to express, even if she can't get much and even if she doesn't plan on BF'ing at home. I think the needs of the baby are paramount, and if the baby's gut really needed EBM and mum wouldn't express but would consent to DEBM, we'd still give it. However, if the baby's gut can tolerate formula and mum isn't expressing, then the baby will have formula.

We don't have our own bank, we order it from elsewhere. Mom's who have had babies pass have donated their milk to this bank. Insurance pays, and I hear it is very expensive. Some MDs argue that the "good stuff" is taken out of it as it is processed. But for our gut babies, especially little preemie NEC/perfs we use it. Our nutritionists have said that the benefits from it only last about a month - not really sure why.

I have taken care of many babies on donor milk. Sometimes for the little ones, mom's milk just won't come in fast enough (or never does) or they may be a medical reason mom can't pump. It makes them feel better. Also, for parents who have read that breast milk is best for their baby's gut problem, they feel like they are taking every precaution. (These are just responses I have gotten.)

One thing different about it - Milk from mom that is thawed is good for 24 hrs in the fridge. Donor milk is good for 48 hours thawed (since it is processed). But if it is mixed, it is only good for 24 hours, same as fresh/frozen mom's milk.

We use bank milk for all premature children and for lots of surgical kids. We even give it rectally to stimulate the intestine for thoose with "short gut"!

They usually stay on donor milk until mum can keep up with the supply/demand. About 90% of our kids from the neonatal unit are breastfed at discharge and never recieve anything else than breastmilk!

Parents have to give their consent but I haven´t met anyone that said no after hearing the benefits...

Anna

Our unit has used Donor EBM for years, we used to get if shipped in from another city but then one of our Neo's started a bank in our area. We get many donations from former moms. We used to have it separated as pre-term or term, but now I think it's just separated by 20cal or 22cal. It's really cool that with the 22cal, you can just see the extra fat in it.

Our unit recently (last year or so) has implemented many new standards about feeding. One of the guidelines is that all new admits should receive either mom's or donor EBM. It is only not to be given if the mom refuses. I think this a bit extreme, though it is good in principal. The Neo's have gotten away from just ordering it, unless they discuss it with the mom first, which I think is better.

Some babies have failed to gain weight on donor EBM, even strongly fortified (like to 27 cal). According to some of our Neo's this has been a documented issue with donor EBM. in general I think it's a good idea, I also think it's great when it's there to help out a mom who is having production issues and would just have tremendous guilt if her baby were to have to get formula to supplement.

I don't know the cost associated, I know our bank doesn't pay the moms, it's all donated, but I'm sure there is a charge associated but have no clue what it is.