Human Milk Bank Donor Helps Premature and Sick Infants and Children

Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed so much that when her two sons didn't latch on, she pumped her own milk and bottle fed it to them. With her first child, Alex, (5) she had an excess of milk and had to discard it. But when she had her second child, Kyle, (15 months) Mercy Hospital of Folsom referred her to Karen Evon, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Evon is also part owner of Maternal Expressions in Folsom, a maternity and breastfeeding specialty store. Evon advised Lisa to donate her surplus milk to the Mother's Milk Bank in San Jose, California.

The Mother's Milk Bank is the only one of its kind on the West Coast. It ships milk within California, outside of the state, and even occasionally to foreign countries. In the U.S there are six other milk banks: Newark, Delaware; Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Fort Worth, Texas; Austin, Texas; and Raleigh, North Carolina. The milk banks are overseen by The Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Milk banks provide human milk for premature and ill infants and children under a doctor's prescription.

Lisa donated 250 ounces to the Mother's Milk Bank after having Kyle. "I wish I had known with my first child so I could have helped more babies, "says Lisa. Evon says, "Mothers who have a surplus of milk may have a larger storage capacity which usually has nothing to do with breast size." Lisa produced 16 ounces of milk in three hours. And in the morning, she could pump 32 ounces in 15 minutes.

Lisa says that her husband Ed was the one who first encouraged her to nurse. He saw how healthy his sister-in-law's children were on human milk, so when Lisa became pregnant, he said "I hope you'll breastfeed."

That's easy to say, but Ed wasn't a passive observer. He bottle fed his infants the breast milk on weekends while Lisa pumped the milk. He also attended breastfeeding classes with her.

But before Lisa could donate the milk, she had to undergo a screening process: Prospective milk donors must meet certain criteria before donating milk. They must be lactating and submit to tests for Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, HIV 1 and 2, human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) 1 and 2, and Ruebella titer. All viral and bacterial studies must be negative, and a history of systemic diseases such as leprosy and cancer will disqualify prospective donors.

Donors may not smoke, consume alcohol, or take medications or herbal supplements at the time of donation, with the exception of drugs, such as insulin, Syn-Thyroid, and progestin-only birth control pills or injections. After donors pass the health evaluation, they will learn how to express milk with a pump, label glass bottles, freeze the milk and store it in the freezer.

Diana Clarke is a teacher and health educator. Her articles have appeared in newspapers and magazines, such as the San Jose Mercury News, Listen Magazine and the World of English.

---

Properly Care For Your Children

When it comes to your newborn or children's health, it... Read More

Baby Names - Choosing Trendy or Traditional

Lists of baby names are always fun to look at,... Read More

Unique and Unusual Baby Names

Today one of the biggest trends in naming is choosing... Read More

How To Clone The Perfect Baby

How To Clone The Perfect BabySheep, Cows, pigs, mice, donkeys,... Read More

Family Baby Showers

The addition of baby number 2, 3, or 10 is... Read More

Where Will You Give Birth To Your Baby?

Where To Give Birth..You have a choice where to have... Read More

How Much TV Is Too Much For Your Toddler

At least one third of households have their TV turned... Read More

3 Simple Steps In Searching For A Baby Name

1) BRAINSTORMIt is a good idea to pick a baby... Read More

How to Make Your Own Baby Food and Save a Fortune!

Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small... Read More

How To Stop Toddlers From Biting

It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers... Read More

Why Convertible Cribs Make Sense

Who doesn't love cool gadgets that morph into dozens of... Read More

Couples Baby Shower Honors Both Mom and Dad

If having a Couples Baby Shower seems odd to you,... Read More

First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests

Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More

Baby Names - Unique or Common?

When it comes to naming their baby, people tend to... Read More

Aromatherapy For Babies

Before reading this article keep in mind that most doctors... Read More

Baby Eating Habits ? Which Approach Do You Take

One of the first decisions we make is if we... Read More

Baby Strollers - Frequently Asked Questions

Baby Strollers are one of the major purchases you will... Read More

Choosing a Personalized Baby Gift

Have you been invited to a baby shower or asked... Read More

Language Development In Your Baby

From birth to one year your baby will go from... Read More

The Personality Traits of an Aquarius Baby

Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

New Parents Rely on Other Moms & Dads to Prepare for Baby

When most new parents are preparing for the arrival of... Read More

Luxury Baby Bedding - What to Look For Before You Buy

When buying luxury baby bedding, perhaps first decide what style... Read More

Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic and Unique Baby Names

Unusual baby boy names and finding exotic and unique baby... Read More

Baby Bedding

When you choose a baby bedding, choose the one which... Read More

Baby Nursery Furniture

You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what... Read More

Baby Poems for Saying Whats On Your Heart

Baby poems and baby shower poems can express any sentiment.... Read More

A Special Formula for Baby!

Choosing to breastfeed the baby is one of the most... Read More

Real Nappies (Cotton Nappies) or Disposables - The Debate

I'm sure you have heard some of the debate surrounding... Read More

Theory of Child Cognitive Development

Jean Piaget has allowed us many insights into child cognitive... Read More

Advantages Of A Sheepskin Underlay For Babies

Sheepskin offers unique advantages as an underlay for babies. One... Read More

White Noise and 10 other Soothing Sounds for Calming a Colicky Infant

The crying ? oh, the crying. A colicky baby can... Read More

The Best Birth Gift

If you are thinking of hiring a nanny, no doubt... Read More