Donated milk can make all the difference to a premature baby fighting for its life and the Groote Schuur Milk Bank is in need of donations as their supply drops.
Cape Town, South Africa (27 November 2020) – Did you know there is an entire group of women that donate their breast milk to help feed premature babies at the Groote Schuur Hospital? A baby that weighs 600g needs only 50mls for an entire day.
A call to current donors was sent out by Sister Maud, asking for help as their supply was dangerously low. The Milk Bank at Groote Schuur is keep stocked by moms from the community but every now and then, the need is greater than the supply.
This means that the hospital needs the help of potential new donors to ensure they can keep up with demand as the babies grow and get stronger.
All you need to do is reach out to Sister Maud on 021 404 6299 and fill in the paperwork to apply to be a donor. You then need to undergo an HIV test every three months just to ensure you are eligible to donate each time.
“The Newborn Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital is primarily concerned with saving the lives of premature babies, as well as sick and HIV-positive babies.
It is well documented that the nutritional and immunological benefits of breastmilk are essential for healthy growth and development in babies. Babies born in the Newborn Unit are very vulnerable to infection; therefore, we are always in need of donated breast milk to facilitate healthy growth and to prevent of infection.
By donating your breast milk, you will be making an extremely valuable contribution, to the healthy survival of a newborn baby.”
While the process may seem like a lot for a simple donation, it is vital only the healthiest of mothers donate to ensure the survival of the premature babies.
Should you be willing, you could save many little lives. Sister Maud (or a sister from your nearest milk bank) will be able to guide you through the process.
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