Human Milk Banking Association of North America

Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, protection, and support of breast milk banking. HMBANA advocates for the use of human milk and donor milk as a first-line strategy for feeding infants, especially those who are premature, have medical needs, or are without access to their mother's milk. The association plays a crucial role in setting standards for the collection, screening, processing, and distribution of donor human milk across North America.

History

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America was established in the early 1980s by a group of healthcare professionals who recognized the need for a standardized system to support the use of donor human milk. Since its inception, HMBANA has grown to include member milk banks across the United States and Canada. These member banks adhere to rigorous guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the milk provided to infants in need.

Mission and Vision

The mission of HMBANA is to advance the field of human milk banking through advocacy, education, and the promotion of standards for the establishment and operation of milk banks. Its vision is a world where all infants have access to human milk through support of breastfeeding and the use of donor milk when necessary.

Activities and Services

HMBANA provides a variety of services and engages in numerous activities to fulfill its mission, including:

• Education and Training: Offering resources and training programs for healthcare providers and the public about the benefits of breast milk and the importance of milk banking.
• Accreditation: Establishing standards for and accrediting member milk banks to ensure the safety, quality, and ethical distribution of donor milk.
• Research and Advocacy: Supporting research on human milk and breastfeeding and advocating for policies that support milk banking and the use of donor milk.
• Donor Milk Distribution: Facilitating the distribution of pasteurized donor human milk to hospitals and families across North America, prioritizing infants with the greatest medical need.

Membership

Membership in HMBANA is open to milk banks operating within North America that meet the association's standards for safety and quality. Member banks are required to undergo a rigorous accreditation process and adhere to HMBANA's guidelines for milk banking operations.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its successes, HMBANA faces challenges, including the need for increased donor milk supply to meet growing demand and ensuring equitable access to donor milk for all infants in need. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions within the medical and ethical communities about the best practices for donor milk banking, including issues related to compensation for donors and the prioritization of recipients.

Conclusion

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of infants through the promotion of human milk banking. By setting standards for the safe and ethical collection, processing, and distribution of donor milk, HMBANA helps to ensure that vulnerable infants have access to the life-saving benefits of human milk.