Babies were born to be breastfed. Breast milk has nutrients and infection-fighting antibodies that are necessary for the growth and development of all newborns and has the greatest potential to help ill or premature infants - the fragile babies who need it the most.
The Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio is a service of Grant Medical Center that provides human milk to those in need, particularly premature infants and babies who are failing to thrive or have life-threatening diseases or conditions. Also, when indicated, milk can be provided for older children and adults.
Why use donor milk?
How is the milk donated?
The step-by-step process
The Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio is a member of the Human Milk Banking Association. For more information, contact the Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio.
Mailing address:
Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio
PO Box 310
Columbus, Ohio 43216
Physical location:
Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio
1132 Hunter Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201
Phone: (614) 544-0810
Fax: (614) 544-0812
milkbank@ohiohealth.com
Why use donor milk?
Human milk is the ultimate source of nutrients and immune protection for all infants -- unmatched by formula. When mothers are not able to provide their own milk, they can nourish their children with pasteurized donor milk. This milk contains many of the active growth hormones, developmental enzymes, infection fighting and immunological factors found in a mother's own milk.
Research shows that human milk helps pre-term infants:
- reach full feeds sooner, and need fewer IVs
- mature their intestines faster
- spend fewer days in the hospital
- have a reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a catastrophic bowel disease
- have a reduced risk of sepsis (blood infection) and fewer infections
- have a long-term IQ advantage over formula-fed infants
- be healthier as older children and adults
How is the milk donated?
The Mothers' Milk Bank relies upon the donations of healthy, lactating women who generously provide milk to help other babies. The donated milk is pasteurized, frozen and then distributed by physician prescription
To become a volunteer donor, mothers must take part in a stringent screening process to ensure the quality and safety of the milk.
Donors must:
- Participate in an initial phone screening to verify eligibility
- Receive and read the Mothers' Milk Bank information packet
- Participate in a medical and lifestyle history review
- Complete a medical release form signed by the donor and healthcare provider for both the donor and baby
- Consent to and receive a comprehensive blood test to screen for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis
For more information on becoming a donor, contact the Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio at (614) 544-0810.
The Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio is a service of Grant Medical Center and is supported by financial donations and grants from the community. If you would like to help the Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio with your financial gift, please contact the OhioHealth Foundation.
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