Human milk banking in North America

Human milk banking in North America refers to the practice of collecting, screening, processing, and distributing donated human milk to infants who need it. This practice is facilitated by various organizations, including the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), which sets guidelines for the safe handling and distribution of human milk.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of milk banking has a long history, with the first human milk bank established in Vienna, Austria, in 1909. In North America, the first human milk bank was established in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1911. The practice has evolved over the years, with significant advancements in the screening and processing of donated milk.

Process[edit | edit source]

The process of human milk banking involves several steps. First, potential donors are screened for diseases and lifestyle factors that could affect the quality of the milk. Once approved, donors express their milk at home and freeze it. The frozen milk is then transported to the milk bank, where it is pasteurized to kill any bacteria or viruses. The pasteurized milk is tested for quality and then frozen until it is needed.

Benefits[edit | edit source]

Human milk banking provides numerous benefits. For premature or sick infants who cannot be breastfed by their mothers, donated human milk is often the best alternative. Human milk contains nutrients and antibodies that can help these infants grow and fight off infections. In addition, human milk banking allows women who produce more milk than their babies need to help other babies in need.

Challenges[edit | edit source]

Despite its benefits, human milk banking faces several challenges. These include the need for rigorous screening and processing to ensure the safety of the milk, the cost of these processes, and the need for more donors. In addition, there are ethical and legal issues related to the donation and use of human milk.