In a groundbreaking initiative, Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC) in Biddeford is now offering pasteurized donor breast milk to parents who are committed to exclusively feeding their newborns with breast milk, eliminating the need for supplementation.
This new maternity services option allows parents to opt for pasteurized breast milk sourced from Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast in Massachusetts, exclusively for infants admitted to SMHC. To qualify for this service, new parents must express a desire to feed their babies solely with breast milk. Additionally, eligibility criteria include having an insufficient milk supply, taking medications contraindicated for breastfeeding, or being separated from the baby.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new service at The Birthing Suite at SMHC,” expressed Amy Desmond, Birthing Suite nurse manager. “Understanding that breastfeeding exclusively may not always be feasible for new parents due to various reasons, donor breast milk can bridge that gap and provide essential health benefits to newborns.”
Donor breast milk is not exclusive to SMHC; it is also accessible at other MaineHealth hospitals, such as Maine Medical Center, LincolnHealth Miles Memorial Hospital, Pen Bay Medical Center, and Waldo County General Hospital. For those interested, creating an account with Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast enables parents to continue purchasing donor breast milk post-hospitalization.
MaineHealth underscores the scientifically supported belief that breast milk offers optimal nutrition for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics aligns with this stance, recommending breastfeeding for the initial six months of a baby’s life.
The introduction of this program at SMHC represents a significant step towards supporting new parents in providing the best possible nutrition for their newborns, even when exclusive breastfeeding may present challenges. This initiative not only aligns with established medical recommendations but also underscores SMHC’s commitment to the well-being of both parents and infants in their care.
