AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Research shows that breast milk is recommended for newborn babies because it provides nutrition, antibodies, enzymes, and other nutrients to support a baby’s growth and health. Beyond physical health, breast milk supports brain development and helps babies adapt more easily to feeding, making it a critical resource for NICU patients. Studies have shown that babies who receive breast milk in the early weeks of life often have better long-term outcomes, including faster growth, stronger immunity and improved cognitive development.
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When a mother’s own milk isn’t available or isn’t enough for their baby, families can access donor milk from a milk bank, which is a facility that collects, screens, processes and stores donated breast milk to provide it to babies in need, particularly those who are premature or ill. The donor milk is tested to ensure it’s safe for babies, especially so it’s safe for those with very fragile health. Hospitals often use it as a prescription for premature or medically complex infants, providing many of the same protective and nutritional benefits as a mother’s own milk.
Milk banks, like Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas, which both hospitals utilize here in town, collect milk donations from healthy, lactating mothers. Before milk is accepted, donors complete a detailed health screening, medical history questionnaire and blood tests to ensure safety. Once donated, the milk is pasteurized to eliminate potential pathogens and tested again before distribution to medical centers. Families usually receive donor milk through the hospital or pediatrician, particularly for babies in the NICU.
INFANTRISK CENTERTEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER(806) 352-2519 www.infantrisk.com…