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31 March 2021 Request for Assistance: Urgent appeal for breast milk donations

Request for Assistance: Urgent appeal for breast milk donations

For Immediate Release
31 March 2021

A little breast milk can go a long way in improving the overall health of an infant whose mother may be unable to produce enough milk or is in isolation. The George Hospital’s milk bank has run out of donor milk and calls on breastfeeding mothers for their kind donations.

According to George Hospital Operational Manager at Ward B3 and B3 Neonatal Unit, Sr Allida Portland there is a constant need for breast milk donations as there is a possibility that a mother may need to go into isolation and her baby will have to be dependent on donor milk.

Image: Western Cape Department of Health

What is needed to become a donor?

You can become a breast milk donor if you are a healthy breastfeeding mother who are able to express enough milk. You will have to fill out the necessary paperwork and be willing to undergo a rapid HIV blood test.

Who will benefit from donor milk?

Babies weighing less than 1,5kg at birth; babies of mothers with limited breast milk as well as premature twins and triplets of mothers who are unable to meet their infants’ nutritional requirements.

 Why is breast milk preferred over formula milk?

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants as it improves their health; helps them to recover faster when ill; it ensures good growth and development; protects them against infections and prevents other health problems.

If you are interested in becoming a donor, please contact the hospital’s Neonatal Unit on 044 802 4577/ 4578.

Containers will be made available for mothers to express milk either at the hospital or in the comfort of their homes. Milk can be dropped off at the hospital or alternatively, contact the hospital’s Neonatal Unit for a driver to collect the milk.

Photo caption:

Young mother, Tamlin Scheepers seen with her son Luciano, who is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Luciano was born last month at 24 weeks old. He is one of the many babies who will benefit from donor milk as his mother struggles to produce enough milk.

END

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 076 379 5423
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

Issued: Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts, Western Cape Government Health