Women’s Health
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On Wednesday, March 20, the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank opened the state’s second breast milk dispensary at First Steps Breastfeeding Support Center at Kettering Health Washington Township. The dispensary allows those with the required prescription to pick up pasteurized human milk for their infants.
Helping moms and babies
Breast milk is the ultimate source of nutrients and immune protection for infants. It is especially helpful to those who are born prematurely or ill. First Steps Breastfeeding Support Center will continue to act as a donation drop-off site for approved donors. The milk bank relies on these donations to increase access to breast milk for babies in need.
“When someone utilizes the milk dispensary – whether that be by donating or picking-up – they’re not just contributing to the health of babies, they’re also supporting others who are on their breastfeeding journey,” said Katy Boyd, a lactation consultant at First Steps Breast Feeding Support Center. “Safe and consistent access to supplemental donor breast milk relieves a lot of stress for moms who are experiencing an interval of low milk volume but still want to use only breastmilk to feed their babies.”
Donating
The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank provides pasteurized human milk for infants whose mothers are unable to provide enough milk. It is one of just 33 milk banks in North America – 30 in the United States and three in Canada.
“We are thrilled to be opening this new milk dispensary for easier access to pasteurized human milk to families in the Dayton area,” said Chris Smith, outreach coordinator and lactation consultant at the milk bank. “With this new milk dispensary, families with a prescription for pasteurized human milk, as a supplement to mom’s own milk, can conveniently obtain milk and receive breastfeeding help all in one stop.”
Interested donors should email milkbank@ohiohealth.com or call (614) 566-0630 to arrange a screening phone interview. Mothers must take part in a screening process to ensure the quality and safety of the milk. The donated milk is pasteurized, frozen, and distributed by physician prescription.
