Five amazing facts about human donor milk
When mother’s own milk is not available (or is limited) for sick hospitalized infants, pasteurized donor milk is recommended as an alternative to formula by The Canadian Paediatric Society.
Each year, approximately 1,500 low birth weight babies in Ontario could benefit from pasteurized human donor milk. Here are five reasons why:
- Reduced risk of severe medical complications:
While human donor milk is not the same as mother’s own milk, research shows that is has unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties that can help save hospitalized, preterm infants and reduce the rates of medical complications, such as necrotizing enterocolitis – a severe bowel condition that primarily targets preterm babies.
- Immune system support:
Donor milk contains many rich, immune-boosting components, including antibodies that help protect preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from infections and illnesses. Donor milk also contains specific elements that protect the intestines against harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Easier to digest:
Pasteurized donor milk is more easily digested by babies than commercial formulas, which may mean fewer days of intravenous nutrition for babies in the NICU.
- Bridges the gap:
Some mothers wish to provide breastmilk for their sick or preterm baby in the NICU, but might not be able to provide a full volume of milk for various reasons. Donor milk is provided to eligible hospitalized babies by prescription, and can help to bridge the gap for mothers until they are able to establish their own milk supply for their infant.
- Safety and quality:
Breastmilk donated to the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank goes through a rigorous process of screening, testing and pasteurization. To ensure that donor human milk is safe for consumption by the smallest and most vulnerable infants, the Milk Bank pools milk from four to five different screened donors, and then processes it using the Holder pasteurization method to eliminate harmful bacteria or viruses.
Thank you to our incredible donors! Your generous donations help give fragile babies a fighting chance.
Learn more about becoming a Milk Bank donor.