New mums wanted to boost donor milk service

NHS issues appeal to help keep premature babies fed

The hunt is on for new mums in Renfrewshire to show the milk of human kindness in a bid to help premature infants.

NHS bosses are looking to expand the ranks of the Donor Milk Bank Service, which helps the sickest babies in Scotland, including those at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The initiative, based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, fed over 1,100 babies with breast milk in the past year, prompting a drive to recruit more donors to keep up with demand.

It sees mums who have more milk than they need or have stored milk, to donate it to the bank, where it is processed before being sent out to neonatal units throughout Scotland.

Since its inception in 1978, the bank has gone from strength-to-strength, keeping premature babies whose mothers are unable to produce milk or produce it in sufficient quantities for infants.

The service became Scotland-wide in 2013 and has expanded, on average, by 25 per cent each year since.

Demand grew by 50 per cent last year alone, sparking the need to recruit more volunteers.

All health boards in Scotland contribute to funding the service as they all have access to donor milk.

Donor milk bank co-ordinator Debbie Barnett was recently awarded an MBE for services to Milk Bank Scotland and infant feeding.

She said: “The benefits of breast milk are well documented and we are learning more and more about the health benefits it provides – right into adulthood.

“There’s a greater understanding of the implications for long-term health in general.

“It’s about the effect on the gut, especially in the early days and weeks – there is a whole science behind it.

“There is so much research out there and we know so much more than even five years ago.”

Debbie added: “Donor milk is meant to be primarily a stopgap, a temporary measure while a woman establishes her own supply.

“Many of our donors started off as recipients. That early support is vital in establishing breastfeeding.

“We would love to hear from more women, who are interested in getting involved.”

Glasgow mum Jaclyn Kerrigan, became a donor after having baby Coran 12 weeks early last October.

She said: “In NICU, I saw so many mums struggle and it made me determined to help. It brings me so much joy. I love being involved with the Milk Bank and will keep going as long as I can.”

Driver Janette Lennox has been volunteering for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for a number of years and has been involved with the Milk Bank since October 2020.

She added: “It’s an amazing service and I feel privileged to be part of it.

“They are a really small team and work so hard to get milk to the babies who need it. “I am also in awe of the women who donate. “They have their own baby, they’re feeding the baby and all the other things that come with being a mum and can spare the time to express milk to help others. It’s just incredible.”

Mums interested in getting involved can call the team on 07790940194.