Mothers' Milk Bank California has launched an Online Milk Drive for National Prematurity Awareness Month in November 2024 to address the urgent need for donated human milk for premature and medically fragile infants. With over 380,000 babies born prematurely in the United States each year, this initiative aims to increase breast milk donors while educating the public about donor milk's life-saving role for vulnerable newborns.
The drive, running from November 1 to November 30, 2024, allows participants to contribute online or in person at any of the organization's 10 collection centers across California and Nevada. Donor breast milk provides essential nutrients and immune support for premature and sick infants who cannot receive their mother's milk, significantly reducing the risk of serious infections like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and improving overall health outcomes.
As a nonprofit organization with a 50-year history and founding member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), Mothers' Milk Bank California has been at the forefront of providing screened, donated human milk to babies in need. The organization plays a crucial role in setting standards for nonprofit milk banks across North America through its commitment to pasteurizing and ensuring milk safety.
This initiative represents a critical step in addressing the ongoing need for donor milk in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) nationwide. By raising awareness and encouraging more mothers to become donors, the drive has the potential to impact thousands of vulnerable infants. Breastfeeding mothers can sign up to become milk donors through an easy online application or drop off milk at collection centers, while community members can support the campaign by sharing information on social media.
The success of this Online Milk Drive could have far-reaching implications for neonatal care across the United States. By ensuring a steady supply of donor milk, Mothers' Milk Bank California is not only saving lives immediately but potentially improving long-term health outcomes for premature and medically fragile infants. As National Prematurity Awareness Month approaches, this initiative underscores the importance of community support and the critical role donor milk plays in giving premature infants the best possible start in life.
