Many of you who are long time readers know that I breastfed all three of my boys. Not only did I do it for me for the bonding value, but I did it for the nutritional importance that breastmilk is known best for.
After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, breastmilk is in dire need. I would imagine due to the heartbreaking sitution of babies being without their mothers or the stress, lack of clean water, and lack of food that might cause a mother’s body to shut down the lactation process. There are even cases of mothers breastfeeding strangers’ babies in an effort to keep them alive.
The Breastmilk Project is collecting milk from donor mommies for processing and immediate distribution in Haiti and you can help. Directly from their site:
What can I do to help? How can I donate milk?
The Human Milk Bank Association of North America is processing the milk that will be sent to Haiti. We are currently referring all donors to www.hmbana.org, or 1-866-998-4550, so that we can build up the supply in the United States so that when we are ready to send milk to Haiti, there will be an adequate amount of milk to meet the needs.
Why is donor breast milk important in disaster situations?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics statement on Infant Nutrition During a Disaster, when a mother’s own milk is not available, donor breast milk is the next best option. Breast milk provides protection from infectious disease which is prevalent during a natural disaster. Read the AAP statement.
Will any of the milk stay in the United States?
Any milk that is not used for disaster relief will stay in the United States with HMBANA and be used to help critically ill babies in neonatal intensive care units, and babies that cannot tolerate formula. Visit www.hmbana.org to learn more about the Human Milk Bank Association of North American and whom they serve.
Who else is helping in this relief effort?
The Human Milk Bank Association of North America is collecting and processing the milk that will be sent to Haiti. We are currently referring all donors to www.hmbana.org, or 1-866-998-4550, so that we can build up the supply in the United States so that when we are ready to send milk to Haiti, there will be an adequate amount of milk to meet the needs. Quick International Courier, a global transportation and logistics company that specializes in emergency shipping, has once again stepped up to the plate to ensure safe delivery of the milk to Haiti. We are finalizing plans with on-the-ground partners in Haiti and will continue to update our website with details as they unfold. And most importantly, hundreds of moms across the U.S. are signing up to be a part of this extraordinary effort.
Is International Breast Milk Project currently collecting any milk for Prolacta Bioscience?
No.
If you have any more questions, please ask the folks at The Breastmilk Project or ask the amazing women at Virtual Breastfeeding Help who brought this charity effort to my attention!
*As a side note, if you’re a breastfeeding mom who just has some questions, check out Virtual Breastfeeding Help! Appointments range from $75 to $125 dollars and are done through Skype! How cool is that?! Imagine help with your babies latch or an answer to your questions in the comfort of your own home without having to clean OR drag your postpartum butt out of bed and into something that fits horribly! It’s like a dream…
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That is awesome. If I were lactating I would be all over this.