Human milk banks collect and process donated human milk. Milk banks that operate under the guidelines of the Human Milk Bank Association of North America (HMBANA)are required to follow certain procedures for obtaining, processing, testing and distributing donated milk.
Why would I choose donor milk instead of formula?
Only human milk is designed for human babies. Manufacturers of formulas start with cows' milk and attempt to make it as much like human milk as they can. However, all formula can do is provide nutrition for babies. It can not reproduce breast milk. Breast milk is a complex living fluid. It is designed to support every system in the baby's body.
Newborn babies have immature and delicate digestive systems that need human milk to coat and protect the intestines. Even if a baby seems to 'tolerate' formula it may lead to gastrointestinal problems that may not manifest itself for 30 years or more. This is even more critical for preemies. Premature babies fed formula are more likely to get necrotizing enteroclitis or NEC. This disease can be fatal. There are some neonatologists that use only human milk in their neonatal intensive care units (NICU).
Mothers' Milk Bank of New England
Lactation Consultants, nurses and mothers began planning the New England Milk Bank in March, 2006. The Ohio Milk Bank is currently processing about 500 ounces of milk a week for Boston area babies. The plan is to begin our own processing by Spring, 2009. The New Born Baby will serve as a milk depot for Central Massachusetts. For more information see Mothers' Milk Bank of New England.