- November 22, 2024
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by: John Guthrie
Marketing/Communications, Halifax Health
Halifax Health has been named a designated Breast Milk Depot by Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida. Halifax Health is one of two milk collection sites in the county. The designation means breastfeeding moms can now drop off breast milk at Halifax Health. The milk will then be transported to Mother’s Milk Bank of Florida where it will be processed, pasteurized and distributed.
As the area’s only Level III Neonatal ICU, partnerships with organizations such as Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida are essential. “At Halifax Health this milk saves lives,” explains Ellen Barton, RN and lactation consultant at Halifax Health. “Breast milk provides ideal nutrition to all babies, but especially neonatal ICU babies who are considered medically fragile. It helps build babies' immune systems and is easier on their digestive systems.”
On Aug. 19, Halifax Health accepted its first donor milk donation from Hannah Knutelski, who knows the importance of breast milk to infants all too well. “My son Fisher is 2 years old and was admitted to the Halifax Health Neonatal ICU shortly after being born. Having attended the breastfeeding classes at Halifax Health, I knew I was producing exactly the perfect nutrition for my son, and it made my first-time mom brain a little less nervous, but I know not all new moms can do that.”
Knutelski has been pumping breast milk for two years, donating to friends and family in need. “I’m excited to be able to donate to Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida through Halifax Health to help more babies in need. It’s an absolute blessing that I’m able to provide any amount of relief to a family during a nerve-wracking time," she said.
In honor of National Breastfeeding Month in August, Halifax Health and Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida are encouraging moms to donate their breast milk. To become a donor, call Mother’s Milk Bank of Florida at 407-248-5050. A brief medical history and a free blood test are required. Approved donors will be sent milk bags and instructions on how to store their much-appreciated donation until it can be dropped off at Halifax Health.
