Many parents are facing the stress of a baby formula shortage with the recent supply chain disruptions. As a result, the demand for donor breast milk is greater than ever and the milk depot at Northwest Health - Porter is asking all potential donors to help.
The milk depot at Northwest Health – Porter – a partnership with The Milk Bank – provides an opportunity for local mothers to donate their excess breast milk for infants in need.
First a mother must complete the process of becoming an approved milk donor. Once breast milk is donated, it is sent to The Milk Bank in Indiana for processing and pasteurization, and is eventually made available to babies via physician order at local hospitals. In 2021, the milk depot at Northwest Health - Porter collected more than 3,000 ounces of breast milk to be donated to babies in need.
“As we take care of babies, we know parents are looking to us to provide trusted guidance and healthy options so their little ones grow to become strong and healthy,” said Stephanie Didion, director of the Women & Children’s Pavilion. “Research and evidence strongly support the use of Human Breast Milk as the best feeding option when mom’s milk is not in, or supply is not equal to demand.”
Human milk provides optimal nutrition and unique health benefits that last beyond infancy. It is also the standard food for all infants, including premature or sick infants, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
If you are interested in becoming an approved donor or learning more about The Milk Bank, visit themilkbank.org for more information.
The milk depot at Northwest Health – Porter will accept approved milk drop offs by appointment. Once approved, call 219-983-8543 to schedule a drop off at the hospital.
