The details
The project is a collaboration with Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin, the nation’s largest nonprofit milk bank, according to a news release.
According to the release, human milk can dramatically reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening intestinal condition most common in premature births. The antibodies in human milk can lower the risk of NEC by up to 75%, the center stated.
“We are proud to partner with Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin to improve access to life-saving donor milk for babies in need,” Chief Operating Officer Megan Drake said. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to high-quality maternal and newborn care, as well as supporting the growing needs of the South Austin community.”
The impact
The donations will help provide milk for babies whose mothers are unable to provide their own milk for various reasons, according to the release.
All donated human milk is tested, pasteurized and dispensed under rigorous safety protocols established by the FDA and the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.
“Donated human milk saves lives, especially for the tiniest and most medically fragile infants,” Kim Updegrove, executive director of Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin, said. “Our partnership with St. David’s South Austin Medical Center makes it easier for approved donors to support babies who need access to this vital resource to survive and thrive.”
Get involved
Donations can be dropped off by approved donors without an appointment between noon and 6 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.
To become an approved donor, lactating mothers can apply online at milkbank.org or by calling 1-877-813-6455.
- Opened Aug. 4
- 901 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin, second floor of the Women’s Services Unit
- www.milkbank.org/donate-milk/milk-collection-sites
