Hundreds of premature babies across New South Wales will now have access to donated breast milk following the launch of the first state-wide milk bank.
The Australian Red Cross and the NSW government which is expected to help an estimated 1000 babies born prematurely in the state each year.
A mother's own milk may not be available for their baby if they are too unwell or under too much stress to produce it.
The initiative will collect excess breast milk from mothers and send it to a processing centre in Sydney, where it will be tested,
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the service, run under strict guidelines, would help save lives.
"Sometimes, mum's breast milk doesn't come in if the baby is born a little early," he told SBS News.
The milk bank will assist premature babies who can't get access to milk. Source: Press Association
"So, for example, at 26 weeks, possibly up to 32 weeks, mum's breast milk just doesn't come in. It takes a while for that to happen - if at all. This milk bank will allow us to ensure that those families, those little babies who need the breast milk, can have it in the safest possible way."
Australian Breast Feeding Association counsellor Dr Jennifer James said human milk was vital for newborns as nutrients within it are irreplaceable.
"Breast milk isn't like a substance that's static; it's a living, constantly evolving fluid that is specifically aligned to the needs of human infants," he said.
The Australian Red Cross launched its first milk bank in South Australia in September this year.
The Red Cross Blood Service milk bank manager Christine Sulfaro wants the Red Cross centres to close any gaps in the system.
"It is a long process but we are live in South Australia and New South Wales now, and we look forward to decreasing the gaps in the current service provisions of these other hospitals and states that currently don't have an ongoing supply of pasteurised donor human milk," she said.
Breast milk provides premature babies with natural immunity factors and can protect them from potentially life-threatening conditions associated with being born early.
Babies born prematurely are at greatest risk of developing necrotising enterocolitis, a potentially fatal disease that attacks the gut.
Babies born prematurely are at greatest risk of developing necrotising enterocolitis, a potentially fatal disease that attacks the gut.
Dr James says opening breast milk banks will greatly improve their chances of survival.
"The beauty and the wonderful thing about breast milk banks is that staff don't have to turn to an artificial formula. They can provide the next best thing, which is donated breast milk, which provides immunity factors, it provides all of the things that the baby needs," he said.
The Red Cross says it's mindful that some cultural and religious complexities around donor milk exist, but Ms Sulfaro is urging women to consider donating milk if they can and are eligible.
