banked milk anyone?

Specialties NICU

Published

Forgive me if this question has been asked lately. Did a search and didn't come up with much. I was just wondering how many of ya'll even have access to banked breastmilk to give the kiddos, and what is the criteria for getting it if you do use it? Does the mom have to be actually breastfeeding or pumping? Does insurance pay for it? Just wondering.

Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

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.

Specializes in PICU.

Our pediatric hospital is a donor site for EBM.

"Donated breast milk is typically used at Children's on premature babies weighing less than 1,500 grams. A doctor's prescription is required for a baby to receive the milk. "Human breast milk is species-specific," R. explained. "Some babies reject cow's milk." Cow's milk is typically the base ingredient for most infant formulas. Children's keeps approximately 500 bottles of pasteurized donor breast milk in their freezer."

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