These organizations have come together asking for donations for premature and sick infants in both Haiti and the United States. Donor milk provides unique protection for fragile preterm infants.
Although these organizations have already responded to requests responding to requests to provide human milk, they are in urgent need of additional donations as the supply is quickly being depleted.
"An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant stationed at the U.S. Navy base in Bethesda, MD is assisting with providing breast pump equipment and supplies to the “Comfort.” Dr. Erika Beard-Irvine, pediatric neonatologist, is on board the “Comfort” to coordinate distribution of the milk to infants in need."
UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the Emergency Nutrition Network, and medical professionals all recommend that breastfeeding and human milk be used for infants in disasters or emergencies. Human milk is life-saving due to its disease prevention properties. It is safe, clean, and does not depend on water which is often unavailable or contaminated in an emergency. Relief workers, health care providers, and other volunteers are urged to provide support for breastfeeding mothers to enable them to continue breastfeeding, and to assist pregnant and postpartum women in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding.
Mother's who are willing and able to donate human milk should contact their regional Mothers’ Milk Bank of HMBANA. Please visit their website for a list of regional milk banks.
Additional information can be provided from the United States Breastfeeding Committee at 202-367-1132, ILC or USLCA at 1-800-452-2478. You can also contact La Leche League at 847-519-7730.
Please remember that even if you are unable to make a donation of milk, financial donations are very much needed!
Source
Photo: US Army
0 comments:
Post a Comment