The Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank (HKBMB) will begin distributing breast milk to premature or critically ill newborns once it has collected a minimum of 50 liters, according to director Rosanna Wong Ming-sum. The service is scheduled to start on Monday, January 6.
The Hospital Authority (HA) previously announced that the HKBMB will begin recruiting donors and accepting breast milk donations next week, with plans to start distribution in March.
During a radio interview on Thursday, Wong explained that the distribution could begin in the initial phase once 50 to 100 liters of breast milk are collected, provided it has undergone selection, microbiological testing, and sterilization.
In the long term, Wong hopes the HKBMB will collect 1,000 liters of breast milk each year to support 450 to 600 newborns in need.
She emphasized the vital role of breast milk in providing essential nourishment and health benefits to preterm and sick babies. It helps protect them from infections and serious complications like necrotizing enterocolitis.
The HA added that donors must be lactating and undergo blood tests every three months. Couriers will be arranged to collect the milk from donors’ homes.
Mothers interested in donating can apply through the HKBMB website, by phone, or by contacting the lactation clinic at HA hospitals.
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