Caboolture and other hospitals in Queensland are facing a pressing shortage of donated breast milk for premature and low birth-weight babies, causing an urgent announcement from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to call for more donors to aid the shortage.
The call that was made on Thursday, the 10th of April 2024, revealed that the supply of donated breast milk in Queensland has fallen to less than only two weeks’ worth, putting hospitals in Caboolture and other neighbouring hospitals in Queensland in need.
As these hospitals face a shortage of donated breast milk, this brings out an alarming situation for premature and low birth-weight babies since breast milk serves as an essential key for their growth and development at their age.
“Currently, supply for Queensland is down to just two weeks of raw milk to send out to the hospital,” said Chris Sulfaro, Lifeblood’s Milk Service Manager.
“No babies are currently missing out but we are moving milk around to ensure there’s an adequate supply of raw milk that we can then make into pasteurised donor milk so we can continue to supply the hospitals,” she added.
Lifeblood, in collaboration with Queensland hospitals, operates a crucial network for collecting, processing, and distributing donated breast milk.
Donors are encouraged to contribute more than three litres of frozen or expressed milk, which is less than ten weeks old, to help meet the growing demand.
Residents of Caboolture who are interested in donating breast milk can find more information on eligibility criteria and registration procedures on the Lifeblood website.
After ensuring one’s eligibility, donations are collected from donors’ homes or hospital locations by Lifeblood’s dedicated milk donor coordinators, who offer guidance and support throughout the donation process.
The processing hub at Lifeblood’s Kelvin Grove centre in Brisbane oversees logistics to ensure a smooth supply chain to partner hospitals, including those donations from Caboolture.
Donated breast milk plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of premature and sick infants, providing essential nutrients and promoting healthy growth. By donating excess breast milk, individual mums can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable newborns and their families in Caboolture and surrounding areas.
Published 26-April-2024
Photo Credit: Red Cross Lifeblood Website
