Moms know best when it comes to donating breast milk

Henry Siu

Some Hong Kong mothers say they have been motivated to help moms and their newborns by donating their breast milk because of their own difficult lactating experience.

This came as the Hospital Authority's Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank, located at the Hong Kong Children's Hospital, commenced service on Monday.

A breast milk donor, Yoyo Chan Ho-yiu, said she had suffered two miscarriages while another mother, Lau Yin-fuk, said her baby was premature and born at 36 weeks. Such experiences made them willing to help, they said.

They added that nurturing breast milk is time-consuming and may cause insufficient sleep and emotional distress for new mothers.

Chan and Lau were among more than 100 mothers who have expressed interest in donating their breast milk to the bank.

"I decided to donate breast milk once I learned about the breast milk bank," Chan said.

The mothers said they understand that it is difficult for mothers who gave birth prematurely to nurture breast milk, so they are willing to donate.

"I'm thankful that my daughter gave me motivation for nurturing breast milk, now she would be better protected and developed," Lau added.

Chan also said moms of premature babies should be praised as "courageous" and given encouragement.

"I hope more mothers will donate breast milk, giving babies the best support," she said.

Rosanna Wong Ming-sum, director of the newly established breast milk bank, said they aim to collect about 1,000 liters of breast milk annually, which is expected to support 450 to 600 newborns.

Starting its first phase on Monday, the Hospital Authority has been actively recruiting both donors and recipients.

"More than a hundred potential donors have approached the bank once its website was established," Wong said. "We will contact them and support them."

A second phase is planned for March, during which the milk will be provided to nine public hospitals with neonatal intensive care units to feed premature and critically ill newborns.

Door-to-door courier service will be provided to ensure breast milk is safely delivered. Wong said the milk would be stored in the bank for six months.

Wong said breast milk is "best food for babies," offering protection against infections.

An advanced nurse, Christine Lam Chi-oi, said healthcare personnel will provide details regarding the donation process and appropriate support including personal hygiene and a healthy diet.

Potential donors must be in good health and currently lactating and should not smoke or drink; their babies must be under one year old, Lam said.