Premature babies being cared for in Lismore will now be able to get donated breast milk, a lifeline that until now was only available in the state’s intensive care nurseries.
An additional 28 NSW public hospitals can now order pasteurised donor human milk from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, taking the total to 37.
The expansion means the milk will be available in Special Care Units, including in regional areas such as Lismore, Dubbo, Gosford, Wollongong, and Wagga Wagga.
Special Care Units look after babies who need extra support but do not need the intensive monitoring of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Until now, donated milk was only available to babies in NICUs.
“Every baby deserves the best possible start in life, and this expansion will ensure more vulnerable newborns across NSW can benefit from access to donated human milk when they need it most,” said Minister for Health Ryan Park.
A mother’s own milk is always the preferred option. But some premature babies need extra milk until their mother’s own supply is established.
Participating hospitals can order the milk “on demand” for eligible babies born before 32 weeks, weighing less than 1,500 grams, or at high risk of certain medical conditions.
“Until now, the service has primarily supported Neonatal Intensive Care Units,” said Australian Red Cross Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen.
“However, many premature babies also spend part of their hospital journey in Special Care Units and can now benefit from this service.”
Lifeblood has been collecting and supplying pasteurised donor human milk since 2018.
In that time, almost 3,000 mothers have supplied 24,000 litres of breast milk nationally, and more than 15,000 litres have been sent to NSW hospitals.
One of those mothers is Hannah Top, who knows the program from both sides.
“Having access to donor breast milk is something every mother should be able to access, regardless of where they live,” Ms Top said.
“It meant so much to me that my girls were able to access the benefits of breastmilk in their early days, and I’m so proud to donate my milk to give other mothers the opportunity I had.”
“I’m really moved by stories like Hannah’s that highlight how the program can help navigate the stress and uncertainty of having a premature baby in hospital,” Mr Park said.
“We know that access to donor milk can provide invaluable support for families during those early weeks by assisting with nutritional development and reducing some of the pressure and anxiety for mothers.”
Many premature babies spend part of their hospital journey in a Special Care Unit.
“For families with a baby in a Special Care Unit, access to donated human milk can provide reassurance during an incredibly challenging time,” Mr Cornelissen said.
“This expansion means more families across NSW will be supported when a mother’s own milk is unavailable.”
“I’m so proud this expansion will improve access in regional communities, helping ensure babies receive high-quality care closer to home,” Mr Park said.
To learn more about donated human milk, visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/milk
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