Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (JMH) is now an official repository for Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL), giving local mothers a safe and convenient way to donate surplus breast milk to help premature and medically fragile infants.
Linda Kennedy is a registered nurse in Obstetrics who has worked at JMH for 38 years. She is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Helping JMH become a repository for donated breast milk fulfills a goal she has pursued for more than a decade.
"We want to make it easier for local moms who produce an abundance of milk to donate this resource that can truly save lives,” Kennedy said.
Human milk can help reduce complications and improve outcomes for vulnerable babies. Donor milk may be used for babies experiencing failure to thrive, severe reflux, GI disorders, cardiac conditions, kidney or liver disease, spinal muscular atrophy, severe formula intolerance or other congenital or acquired conditions.
Donor milk is especially important for premature infants and those at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal condition.
According to Milk Bank WGL, donor milk is tested for bacteria before and after pasteurization, which destroys bacteria and viruses, including HIV and CMV. Donor milk is also tested for drugs of abuse, including THC, PCP, opiates, benzodiazepines, cocaine and amphetamine.
"We want families to know there is a secure process in place," said nurse manager Rachel Moore. "Donating through Milk Bank WGL ensures the milk is screened and handled safely before it reaches babies who need it."
JMH also offers information about milk donation to families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss. For some mothers, donating milk can provide comfort and a meaningful way to honor their baby's memory.
"Donating gives some families a sense of purpose during an incredibly difficult time," Kennedy said. "It allows them to help another child while remembering their own."
Becoming a repository for Milk Bank WGL builds on JMH's commitment to breastfeeding support. JMH is a Baby-Friendly designated hospital and provides breastfeeding education, lactation support and Breastfeeding 101 classes for families throughout the region.
Both Kennedy and Moore hope this partnership is the first step toward expanding access to donor milk in Jacksonville.
"Right now, we're focused on raising awareness and helping families donate," Moore said. "We hope this becomes a valuable resource for our community and ultimately helps even more babies close to home.”