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The Importance of Breast Milk Donation for Sick Children: Queen Sirikit National Institute of Children’s Health

Queen Sirikit’s National Institute of Children’s Health Launches Breast Milk Bank to Aid Sick Infants

The Medical Services Department at Queen Sirikit’s National Institute of Children’s Health is now accepting donations of breast milk to support sick children through the establishment of a breast milk bank. Recognizing the vital role breast milk plays in the health and well-being of infants, especially those who are unwell, the department emphasizes the importance of safe and beneficial milk allocation.

Importance of Breast Milk for Sick Infants

Dr. Weerawut Imsamran, Deputy Director General of the Department of Medical Services, highlighted the significance of breast milk for premature and sick newborns. Approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, with over 1 million of them facing the risk of death due to not receiving breast milk. The absence of maternal milk or complications in the mother’s health often result in infants being deprived of this crucial source of nutrition. For premature or sick infants, receiving breast milk can stimulate intestinal hormones, accelerate weight gain, reduce hospitalization duration, and minimize the likelihood of infections and intestinal issues.

The Role of the Breast Milk Bank

Dr. Akkarathan Jitnuyanon, Director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Children’s Health, emphasized the essential function of the newly established Breast Milk Bank. The bank operates a stringent process that includes donor screening, careful milk handling and storage, pasteurization, and the distribution of the milk to the intended recipients, ensuring maximum benefit and safety.

Eligibility for Donors and Recipients

Breast milk donated to the bank is intended for premature infants, those weighing less than 1,500 grams, as well as babies with specific medical conditions. Qualified donors must meet specific health criteria and have expressed milk that is suitable for donation. It is crucial for both donors and recipients to adhere to safe breastfeeding procedures and consult healthcare professionals or the breast milk bank before participating in the donation process.

For those interested in contributing to this noble cause, individuals who meet the necessary qualifications are encouraged to contact the Breast Milk Bank at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Children’s Health, Department of Medical Services or call 066-121-7747.

Medical Services Department from Queen Sirikit’s National Institute of Children’s Health Accept donations of breast milk to a breast milk bank for sick children. and it is an important medium in the allocation of breast milk given for maximum benefit and safety. Because breast milk is considered the most beneficial food for children. Especially sick newborn babies The more you have to get breast milk.

On 10 November 2023 Dr. Weerawut Imsamran, Deputy Director General of the Department of Medical Services Said that around 15 million babies are born prematurely within a year, or more than 1 baby is born prematurely per 10 births, and every year around 1 million babies die from premature birth. not receiving breast milk. This is because the mother does not have enough milk or the mother has complications. Serious illness, unable to breastfeed Including babies having to stay in hospital for a long time. Separation between mother and sick baby If the newborn is sick or born prematurely, it receives breast milk. It is beneficial for stimulating hormones in the intestines. Rapid weight gain Reduce length of stay in hospital Reduce the chance of intestinal infections, blood flow and intestinal putrefaction, so it is very important that patients receive breast milk. But in order to receive breast milk from a donation a safe breastfeeding procedure is required for both the donor and the recipient. You should always consult your doctor or breast milk bank before donating.

Dr Akkarathan Jitnuyanon, Director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Children’s Health, Department of Medical Services. He added that the Breast Milk Bank, Queen Sirikit’s National Institute of Children’s Health It is an important vehicle in the allocation of donated breast milk for maximum benefit and safety. Through the working process of the milk bank Queen Sirikit’s National Institute of Children’s Health is as follows:
1. Screen donors
2. Control the time and temperature of milk supply.
3. Store milk at a constant temperature.
4. Pasteurization of milk in accordance with standards.
5. Distribution of pasteurized milk to the target group of infants.

The target group of babies who should receive breast milk donated from the breast milk bank are premature babies with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks, babies weighing less than 1,500 grams, babies who have had intestinal surgery a sick baby whose mother has contraindications to breast feeding

The qualifications of mothers who can give breast milk are as follows: healthy Do not take medication or injections that are contraindications for breastfeeding Drink plenty of milk and normal blood results. The milk to be given is milk expressed when the last child was under 4 months old and has not expired. Happy to draw blood. Answer the risk screening questionnaire

In addition, mothers who have more milk than they need should not share breast milk with each other because of Risk of contracting diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and other viruses through breast milk Risk of exposure to drugs or drugs and transmitted through breast milk. Risk of contamination with germs during the breast pumping process. and milk storage Breast milk from breast milk banks is used as a temporary transitional period. Only while waiting for mother’s milk “Because your own breast milk is the best.” If any mother has the above qualifications and wishes to donate breast milk, she can contact the Breast Milk Bank. Queen Sirikit National Institute of Children’s Health, Department of Medical Services or call 066-121-7747

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