Just Thought You Ought to Know

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A first-of-its-kind donation drive is taking place in Sacramento Monday due to a critical shortage of breast milk.

Sutter Medical Center and the Breastfeeding Coalition of Greater Sacramento are asking mothers to register to become breast milk donors for preemies in neonatal intensive care units and others.

According to the Breastfeeding Coalition of Greater Sacramento, just three ounces of breast milk is enough to feed a premature infant 9 times. The human milk is critical for premature and sick infants protecting them from devastating intestinal infections.

The breast milk will be donated to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of California, a San Jose organization that provides breast milk to 73 hospitals in 13 states.

“There is a shortage of breast milk from donors, and our hospital is one of the top purchasers of breast milk in the area,” said Kate Risingsun, R.N., the regional lactation manager at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. “Our care can be compromised if there isn’t enough, so we’re pleading for more.”

Interested moms can register at Sutter Medical Plaza, 1625 Stockton Boulevard until 3pm Monday.

For more details about the requirements to become a donor you can visit the Breastfeeding Coalitions’ website.

Why is breastfeeding important?

Beastfeeding protects babies

Early breast milk is liquid gold – Known as liquid gold, colostrum (coh-LOSS-trum) is the thick yellow first breast milk that you make during pregnancy and just after birth. This milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect your baby.

Breast milk changes as your baby grows – Colostrum changes into what is called mature milk. By the third to fifth day after birth, this mature breast milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein to help your baby continue to grow.

Breast milk is easier to digest – For most babies — especially premature babies — breast milk is easier to digest than formula.

Breast milk fights disease – The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness.

Mothers benefit from breastfeeding

Life can be easier when you breastfeed – Breastfeeding may take a little more effort than formula feeding at first. But it can make life easier once you and your baby settle into a good routine. Plus, when you breastfeed, there are no bottles and nipples to sterilize.

Breastfeeding can save money – Formula and feeding supplies can cost well over $1,500 each year, depending on how much your baby eats. Breastfed babies are also sick less often, which can lower health care costs.

Breastfeeding can feel great – Physical contact is important to newborns. It can help them feel more secure, warm, and comforted. Mothers can benefit from this closeness, as well. Breastfeeding requires a mother to take some quiet relaxed time to bond. The skin-to-skin contact can boost the mother’s oxytocin (OKS-ee-TOH-suhn) levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps milk flow and can calm the mother.

Breastfeeding can be good for the mother’s health,  – Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of these health problems in women:

1.      Type 2 diabetes

2.      Breast cancer

3.      Ovarian cancer

4.      Postpartum depression

Mothers miss less work – Breastfeeding mothers miss fewer days from work because their infants are sick less often.

Now, aren't you glad we shared this with you?