Breast milk stocks are at an alarmingly low level in Queensland as Red Cross Lifeblood put the call out last week during National Mothering Week.
Queensland is down to less than two weeks’ supply of donated breastmilk, with triple the number of donors needed to meet demand, with Red Cross Lifeblood supplying 120 litres of milk to hospitals throughout the state every month.
To meet this demand, the service has had to bring in breastmilk from interstate to supply hospitals where it is needed for small or premature babies and led to Lifeblood appealing for more donations, particularly in South East Queensland.
“Currently, supply for Queensland is down to just two weeks of raw milk to send out to the hospital,” Lifeblood manager Chris Sulfaro said.
“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.
“Increasing the number of donations would help meet demand in Queensland and keep babies healthy.
“Donated breastmilk is liquid gold for premature or very sick and small babies.”
Lifeblood is looking for mothers around Ipswich who have more than three litres of frozen milk which is less than 10 weeks old.
Donations are picked up from the donor’s home or at the hospital by a milk donor coordinator, who are there to support and guide mums throughout the whole process
Check your eligibility and register to donate on the Lifeblood website.
