Human milk is the best food for human babies. It is especially critical for preterm babies who are up to ten times more likely to develop severe gastrointestinal infections if fed formula instead of human milk. This is because preterm babies are born with a very immature immune system.

There are many antibodies (immunoprotective properties) present in human milk that can help to protect these babies from infection. Although artificial formula is processed and formulated to be nutritionally similar to human milk, none of these immuno-protective properties are present.

Some mothers have difficulty producing enough milk for their baby. Many others find they are producing more milk than their own baby requires. Internationally, human milk banks collect this milk, process it to ensure safety and make it available to babies in need. Perron Rotary Express Milk Bank aims to re-establish human milk banking in Australia to offer a safer and better nutritional alternative for preterm babies.

Why can’t some mothers of preterm babies provide milk for their own baby?

As these babies are born early their mothers may have difficulty establishing breastfeeding. These babies often require treatments that prevent the normal breastfeeding pattern and their mother’s milk supply may decline.

Are mothers paid for their donation?

No. We recognise that donating breast milk is an extremely generous gift and in turn ensure that it is safely supplied free of charge to hospitalised babies in need.

Will it be safe?

Milk donors will be required to complete a screening process similar to that conducted prior to a blood donation. This will include a written health questionnaire and a blood test. Any information collected during this screening process is completely confidential. Donated milk will be pooled and pasteurised (heated to a temperature that kills bacteria and viruses but retains most of the immuno-protective properties of the milk). Microbiological cultures will be taken before and after pasteurisation to ensure that the milk is safe.