KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Bronson Mothers' Milk Bank has made it easier for moms looking to donate breast milk to do so.
They have opened two new drop-off locations. One is at Bronson Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists at 3238 Capital Avenue SW in Battle Creek and Bronson Rambling Road Pediatrics at 2680 W Centre Avenue in Portage.
"It means more access to donor milk," said Lindsay Starks, Supervisor of Bronson Mothers' Milk Bank. "Sometimes, our donors across the state have to ship their milk UPS, and there's only certain days they can make it there. And so, this really is increasing the flow of milk we have in and out, which is more accessible to more babies, hospitals and families that really need it."
Bronson Mothers' Milk Bank is one of only 32 breast milk banks across North America. They primarily provide milk for neonatal intensive care units, but also to mother-baby units and some outpatients.
"One of the roles of donor milk is to help sick babies recover faster and have a better chance for outcomes," said Starks.
Demand for donor milk is often higher this time of year, with influenza, COVID-19 and RSV on the rise.
"It really is life-saving for some of these babies," said Starks.
At the drop-off locations, employees will store the milk for up to 24 hours in a freezer. Then, someone from the Mothers' Milk Bank will pick it up for screening, analysis and pasteurization. It is then dispensed to NICUs across the state.
"The goal is to make sure that the babies that need it can access it anytime," said Sarah Clark, system manager of clinical nutrition at Bronson Mothers' Milk Bank.
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