Help donate ‘liquid gold’ to local milk bank
“This bank is the first community-based human milk bank to open in South Africa,” said the breastmilk bank's co-ordinator, Anni Ardè.
THE non-profit organisation, iThemba Lethu Breastmilk Bank has called on the help of breast-feeding mothers to donate their excess breast milk for the vulnerable, abandoned and orphaned babies in its care.
“This bank is the first community-based human milk bank to open in South Africa,” said the breastmilk bank’s co-ordinator, Anni Ardè.
The organisation said the babies are cared for at the iThemba Lethu Transition Homes in Manor Gardens. The breastmilk bank was opened in 2001 by Professor Anna Coutsoudis, who had a vision to restore dignity and hope to the babies and children whose future was at risk of being negatively impacted.
“These orphaned and abandoned babies are in our transition homes. We supply milk to Neontal ICU’s and private and public hospitals. We refer to this milk as ‘liquid gold’ and we truly believe that every drop counts you can save a baby’s life,” said Ardè.
She said passionate and willing breast-feeding donor moms are screened for health and lifestyle risks. Should they qualify, their milk is pasteurised, micro-tested, labelled and recorded before it is given to the babies.
“Breastmilk is the best form of nutrition for babies. The health and well-being of these little ones improves significantly. The immunity benefits of breastmilk make it especially beneficial for premature babies or those whose health is compromised,” she said.
For more information or to donate to the organisation, visit www.ithembalethu.org.za/breast-milk-bank/.
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