Milk banks remerge to help new mothers

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Milk banks remerge to help new mothers

3News NZ

Milk banks used to be common in New Zealand, but disappeared about 30 years ago

Milk banks used to be common in New Zealand, but disappeared about 30 years ago

The idea of sharing breast milk might gross some of you out.

But women are quietly doing it all over the country.

And for mothers' that have trouble breast feeding - donor milk can be a huge help.

So could milk banks be the answer?

They used to be common in New Zealand, but disappeared about 30 years ago.

Now a Christchurch group is trying to set one up, and they could spread further.

So how do they work? And are they safe?

Helen Vaughan reports.

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Comments

8/02/2011 8:49:49 p.m.

jude wrote:

what a great thing to happen!! I asked for help but was told no breast milk available! My girls are grown up now but am pleased that the option may be available to them if they struggle to breast feed

4/02/2011 2:20:23 p.m.

suzie wrote:

Erin, gosh what's wrong the carseat? Serious question - my baby's as old as that baby and in a capsule like that and I can't see what's wrong with it? What should be different? Fantastic story! Love the idea of a milk bank!

4/02/2011 2:03:47 p.m.

Emma Ryburn wrote:

Carol Bartle has worked extremely hard on this campaign behind the scenes and I commended her for her tireless work. Here in Auckland we have started a facebook community of supporters and have 1183 members, you are more than welcome to join. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/mothersmilknz

4/02/2011 12:53:13 a.m.

Carrie wrote:

It's about time they brought back breast milk banks! The benefits a baby gets from breastmilk is huge! Its not just a food but also an immune system being given to them! Imagine how much better a prem or sick baby would be if they got the immunity from illnesses that breastmilk provides. I really hope the milk bank takes off and becomes common all around New Zealand!

3/02/2011 6:51:48 p.m.

Erin wrote:

Lovely story and so important for women to open their minds to the idea of milk sharing. It's, afterall, the best stuff on earth! REALLY wish that sweet mother would properly retrain her child in it's infant carseat, however.

3/02/2011 8:02:26 a.m.

Pat wrote:

Wow. What a lovely story.

2/02/2011 4:00:28 p.m.

Megan wrote:

I'm a breastfeeding mother of a 4 month old and I think this is a great idea. Personally I would consider donating my milk too. I think it would be good if they could even match up mothers with similar aged babies as the breastmilk changes as the baby grows.

2/02/2011 1:54:27 p.m.

Larissa wrote:

I think its an amazing idea!! Id definatley donate :)

2/02/2011 12:10:05 p.m.

Kirsty wrote:

Bottle the Best is helping mums who want to donate their excess milk with FREE pump hire. There is also cheap pump hire (less than the price of formula) for mums considering formula because of breastfeeding struggles. Donations of pumps and money to buy pumps are also welcome. http://www.facebook.com/bottlethebest http://bottlethebest.anythingbaby.co.nz http://www.anythingbaby.co.nz

2/02/2011 7:17:15 a.m.

Summer wrote:

Reemerge