****UPDATE - 1/28/10 - Breastmilk donations are no longer being requested for Haiti. We'll let you know if that situation changes. In the meantime, US milk banks are facing historic shortages so you can help vulnerable and sick infants here in the US by becoming a milk donor.****
We've all been deeply moved by the scenes of devastation following the earthquake in Haiti earlier this month. And if you're like so many of us, you've wondered how you can help. Making a financial donation is important - if you haven't already, the need is still great!
Nursing moms have been looking for a way to donate breastmilk for babies who were victims of the earthquake. Finally, there's a way to donate breastmilk!
Just yesterday, 1/25, the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, together with several other breastfeeding organizations, made an urgent call for donations of human donor milk. The first shipment of donor milk is expected to be sent this week to the US Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort. Read the press release.
Interesting in donating breastmilk? In Portland, you can drop-off at one of three local sites. Contact drop-off sites directly to start the donor screening process.
For now, they are focusing on providing donor milk to the USNS Comfort as they have a lactation consultant and doctors on board. The hospital ship welcomed the delivery of its first baby, a 7 week early premature baby and is now home to several preemies. There are not yet systems available to keep the perishable donor milk safe on the ground in Haiti.
Find out more about plans to open a milk bank in Portland.
Photo courtesy United Nations.
I hope a lot of people do this- if I was still nursing, I know I would!
Posted by: Amber | February 01, 2010 at 08:49 PM
Thanks for your support of donor milk Amber! Donations are no longer being requested. You can read more: http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/NewsInformation/NewsRoom/201001BFistheFirstLineofDefense/tabid/166/Default.aspx
Posted by: Stumptown Mom | February 02, 2010 at 04:35 PM