The South African Breastmilk Reserve is urging more mothers to donate breast milk to support vulnerable newborns. Donor milk helps protect infants from infections and aids their growth when mothers cannot breastfeed. With rising demand, the organization seeks greater public awareness to sustain its efforts.
The South African Breastmilk Reserve, a nonprofit focused on providing donor breast milk to hospitals, has issued an appeal for additional donations amid increasing needs. This initiative aims to assist newborns, particularly those in neonatal care, by offering a vital alternative to maternal breastfeeding.
Breast milk from donors plays an essential role in safeguarding babies against infections and promoting their healthy development. For infants whose mothers are unable to provide milk—due to medical reasons or other circumstances—donated supplies serve as a critical resource in both public and private healthcare settings.
Executive Director Staša Jordan highlighted the organization's reach, stating, “Our largest impact are the 4 000 infants that we support to exclusively breastfeed in the neonatal stage in public hospitals. Only 10% are in the private health system. Therefore, we urge donors to come forward to contribute to a good cause.” This underscores the heavy reliance on public facilities and the urgent call for community involvement.
As demand grows, the Reserve emphasizes the need for heightened awareness to encourage more women to participate. Donations are processed safely to ensure quality and availability for those in need. The effort aligns with broader health goals in South Africa, where access to such resources can significantly improve outcomes for preterm and ill infants.
The appeal comes at a time when neonatal care faces ongoing challenges, making donor contributions particularly valuable.