Laura Simon and Laura Bond
2 hours ago
LAKE ST. LOUIS, Mo. – SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake St. Louis has begun offering donor milk as a supplemental option for all infants who wish to but are unable to breastfeed.
“Breast milk is generally the best nutrition for babies, but just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it comes naturally to everyone. There are many medical reasons why babies need supplemental nutrition in addition to their mother’s breastfeeding,” said Dr. Katherine Hanson, a neonatal and perinatal medicine specialist at Cardinal Glennon Pediatrics.
“In such cases, having donor milk as an option may lead to a more successful breastfeeding relationship in the long term.”
The donor breast milk program is a new resource being implemented at all SSM Health community sites, not just SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital Lake St. Louis.
“Previously, when a mother didn’t have her own breast milk for a baby who needed supplementation, the only option was formula. Formula will continue to be available if parents prefer, but donor milk will be an additional option for all women and babies who need supplemental breast milk while in hospital,” Hanson said.
“We are the first hospital system in the region to offer donor milk at all of our community facilities. Although it is not medically required to have donor milk, it is a passion project for us.”
SSM Health partners with a milk bank based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that is a member of the North American Human Milk Banking Association. Milk bank donors are mothers who care about other mothers.
All mothers who are accepted to donate breast milk must have negative blood tests for the AIDS virus, HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. Milk banks will not accept mothers who use illegal drugs, smoke or have other risk factors for AIDS.
Hanson says breast milk is better absorbed than formula, reducing the incidence of ear infections, asthma and sudden infant death syndrome, with benefits for both mother and baby. Hanson says donor milk is “a safe option if you need to supplement your baby’s nutrition and we are happy to support this and help you continue to breastfeed successfully if that is what you want.”
To learn more about Family Birthplace at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake St. Louis, click here.
The SSM Health Medical Minute airs Wednesdays at 7pm on News 11 and 9pm on FOX 2 News.
