ATRIUM HEALTH NAVICENT has given local mothers who breastfeed an easy way
to donate their extra supply by opening a milk depot at Beverly Knight Olson
Children's Hospital. The milk depot is the only one of its kind in Middle Georgia.
Through a partnership with the King's Daughters Milk Bank in Norfolk,
Virginia, potential donors will undergo a medical screening process including
a phone interview, an online form and a blood test. Once cleared, mothers can
schedule a milk drop-off at the Children's Hospital. The milk will then be sent to
the Milk Bank where it will undergo additional processing and pasteurization.
The processed milk can then be dispensed by hospitals, including Atrium Health
Navicent, through a prescription or physician's order.
There's no fee to donate and the milk is provided to premature babies at no cost.
"We are excited to open a milk depot here in Central Georgia, making it easier
for nursing mothers to share breast milk with babies in need," said Atrium Health
Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. "This is just one more way that
Atrium Health Navicent is working to improve our community's health, elevate
hope for the next generation and advance healing for all."
In 2020, nearly half of the babies admitted to Atrium Health Navicent's neonatal
intensive care unit received donor breast milk, totaling 21,290 ounces. One ounce
of breast milk can provide nutrition for as many as four premature babies.
Mothers interested in donating can call 478-633-0319 for additional information.
LOCAL BUZZ
Children's hospital
opens breast milk
depot to benefit
premature babies
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