Illustration by Lisk Feng
For decades, doctors have been advising new parents that “breast is best” when it comes to feeding newborns. But for a variety of reasons, not everyone is able to supply their child with nutrition from their own body. In the past, these families would have resorted to formula. But now a pioneering program in Philadelphia is offering an innovative new option geared toward helping sick infants who would most benefit from breast milk. Last year, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) opened the Mothers’ Milk Bank. Located inside the hospital, the bank safely serves vulnerable infants whose mothers cannot meet their nursing needs. Donors—who must meet the hospital’s strict criteria—deliver milk that is then pasteurized and provided directly to babies suffering from conditions such as feeding intolerance, immune deficiencies, allergies, and prematurity. According to CHOP’s Director of Lactation, Dr. Diane Spatz, “being able to screen and approve donors and pasteurize milk in-house greatly enhances the family experience.”
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By Marissa Dubecky
This article originally appeared in the April/May 2016 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!
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