Breastmilk

Why is human milk so important?

The problem for pre-term babies who don’t get human milk is that they have a much higher incidence of illness and death.  A leading cause of death is necrotizing enterocolitis [NEC]. 50% of the babies who get NEC die. The cost of care is exorbitant and the unimaginable human suffering is even worse. 

Why doesn’t every preemie get breastmilk?

• It’s expensive and until now, the best quality donor milk cost approximately $15,000 for a one month stay in the NICU.  

• It is often in short supply because many milk banks suffer from on-going shortages

• The high cost has forced hospitals to restrict its use to only the smallest, weakest babies so only 10% of the babies in the NICU are allowed to have donor milk

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