50 liters of breast milk to be collected for premature newborns in initial phase

The Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank (HKBMB) will distribute breast milk to premature or critically ill newborns once at least 50 liters is collected, director Rosanna Wong Ming-sum said as HKBMB is set to commence service next Monday (Jan 6).

The Hospital Authority (HA) earlier noted that HKBMB will recruit donors and accept breast milk donations starting next week, with plans to begin distribution in the second phase in March.

On Thursday, on a radio program, Wong said that breast milk distribution could start in the initial phase once 50 to 100 liters of breast milk is collected, along with the completion of selection, microbiological testing, and sterilization.

Meanwhile, she hopes HKBMB could collect 1,000 liters of breast milk annually in order to support 450 to 600 newborns in need.

She highlighted that breast milk provides essential nourishment and multiple health benefits for preterm and sick babies, offering them protection from infections and life-threatening complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis.

According to the HA, donors must be currently lactating and conduct blood tests every three months. Couriers will be arranged to collect breast milk from the donors' homes.

Mothers interested in becoming donors can apply through the HKBMB official website, by phone, or by contacting the lactation clinic at HA hospitals.