Jul 31, 2008 7:26 pm US/Eastern
Banking Milk, Feeding Baby
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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The bank gathers tested, safe milk and distributes it to mothers who are unable to provide breast milk for their babies.
WBZ
Research has shown that breastfeeding has health benefits for both moms and their babies.
But in some cases, new moms are unable to nurse.
That's why two local women have opened what they call "The Mothers' Milk Bank of New England."
Experts recommend mothers should nurse their babies for the first year of life if possible because breast milk can help protect babies from asthma and other health problems.
"There's a growing amount of research that breastfeeding helps babies with immune factors to protect them," said Naomi Bar-Yam of the milk bank.
But, it's often difficult—sometimes even impossible—for some women to nurse, especially if they have premature babies.
Bar-Yam explained, "We have more mothers delivering multiples and various other circumstances. There are more babies whose mothers cannot provide for them fully."
That's why Naomi is teaming up with Ilene Fabich to start up The Mothers' Milk Bank of New England. Their mission? To supply breast milk to babies whose mothers are unable to provide it themselves.
"We're doing this because it is important for babies to have breast milk to be healthier in the long term," Fabich told WBZ.
The milk bank is temporarily set up in a former school in Newton as it looks for a permanent home.
If you'd like more information about donating your breast milk or if you are in need of breast milk, visit
Mothers' Milk Bank of New England. The bank can also be reached at 781-535-7594.
All donors are tested to make sure that their milk is safe for consumption.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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