Columbus, OH,
30
July
2018
|
21:53 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

WHIO-TV7: Demand for Donor Breast Milk Increases

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank is experiencing high demand for donated breast milk for infants. To give their growing babies the nutrition they need, women who cannot produce their own breast milk sometimes opt to rely on donated milk.

With the increased need for breast milk, some parents are turning to ordering milk through the internet, which Chris Smith, outreach coordinator and lactation consultant at the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, says is unsafe.

“Research has shown when there’s money involved, there’s more of a likelihood of tampering with milk,” Smith told WHIO-TV7 reporter Kate Bartley.

Dayton resident, Robin Koronich, donates her leftover breast milk, after feeding her 11-month old daughter, to the milk bank, which is located in Columbus. She believes that it is her duty to give other babies the nourishment they need.

“I have some angel babies of my own in heaven, so even though I didn’t get to feed those babies, at least there are some babies that did make it,” Koronich told Bartley.

Certain infants such as those born premature, ill or with life-threatening conditions need breast milk for the growth and health benefits it provides. Formula or dairy milk cannot replicate all of these vital health benefits.

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank is one of just 24 milk banks in the United States. They receive milk from approved donors, and following the pasteurization process, ship it out to hospitals throughout the country and Canada. Just one ounce of donated milk can feed a premature infant for three days.

Are you interested in becoming a breast milk donor to the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank? Click here to learn more!