UHS milk bank issues plea for donations as reserves run low

The Southampton Donor Milk Bank at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has launched an appeal for donors as milk reserves are running low.

Donor milk is primarily used when mothers of premature babies struggle to establish their own milk supply, or if they are unable to breast feed due to physical illness.

Breast milk from donors protects babies from blood infections and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease that affects premature or very low birth weight infants. It also improves digestion of milk in babies who have had tummy surgery.

In 2022 the UHS donor milk bank pasteurised 313 litres of breast milk, helping to save many babies lives. As well as providing breast milk for the patients of UHS, the Southampton donor milk bank is also the central milk bank for the Southern region, providing donor milk to six other hospitals and trusts.

New mum, Jennifer Blandford, 37, from Calmore, has been both a recipient of donor milk as well as an active donor. On January 6 her son, Teddy Blandford, was born premature at 32 weeks and needed donor milk.

Jennifer said “Teddy had to receive donor milk after his birth, whilst we waited for my milk to come in. Once I started feeding, I was producing a lot of excess milk - I didn’t actually realise how much I had until Tania showed me.

“We were so thankful that Teddy had someone else’s milk for those first few days, it just made sense to pass it on and also seemed the right thing to do”

Tania Gane, Milk Bank team member, said “We are so grateful to all the wonderful mothers who currently donate to the Southampton milk bank. They are all literally helping to save lives.”

She added: “Donating milk is one of the most precious gifts anyone could offer. This milk helps save the lives of premature and sick babies throughout the South. And for some mums, it bridges the gap whilst they are establishing their milk supply. It would be lovely to have more donors to boost our stocks, and we would welcome anyone who has an interest in donation”

The Southampton Donor Milk Bank is looking to recruit donors whose babies are less than six months old, do not smoke and consume under two units of alcohol a week. Donors usually stop donating once their child reaches one year of age.

Any prospective donor will be asked to undertake a lifestyle questionnaire followed by a blood test to check for infections.

Once successfully screened, the donor will be taught how to collect and store the milk to avoid contamination. Volunteer courier bikers from the SERV Blood Bike Team will collect milk from the donor’s home at their convenience.

Any mothers whose babies are under six months old, and would like to start their donation journey please email Milkbank@uhs.nhs.uk or call 02381206009