16/05/2022
We are supporting World Human Milk Donation Day with an incredible 844 premature babies receiving life-saving donor milk in 2021.
Our Human Milk Bank service based at the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen is delighted to support World Human Milk Donation Day, which is held globally each year on the 19th May.
Elizabeth (Liz) Bailie, Human Milk Bank Co-ordinator expressed her thanks to all our milk bank donors for their continued support during the COVID-19 Pandemic she said:”We are indebted to our donor mums who have continued to provide essential donor breast milk for babies in neonatal units in hospitals throughout Ireland.
“The Human Milk Bank staff are working very hard to ensure this vital service remains available to all our vulnerable premature babies, through these uncertain times.”
Liz added: “It is essential that we continue to recruit donors at this very challenging time and I would appeal to expectant mums to consider becoming a donor and also that they promote the Human Milk Bank to other mums to be. Breastfeeding is one of the best protections for babies and mothers are encouraged to consider donating.
In 2021 the Human Milk Bank provided donor milk for 844 premature babies, of which 234 were either a twin or a triplet.
From January to the present time we have recruited 136 donors and provided 331 litres of donor milk to premature babies throughout Ireland.
Liz concluded: ‘We remain grateful for the support of the Voluntary Blood Bikers, who continue to transport our much needed donor milk.”
If you would like to find out more about the Human Milk Bank and becoming a donor please contact the Human Milk Bank on Tel: (028) 68628333 or email tmb.swah@westerntrust.hscni.net
Watch our short video showing a tour of our facility, the Human Milk Bank processes and how donated breast milk is distributed to help premature babies all over Ireland.