Breast milk reserves critically low

Breast milk reserves have reached critically low levels, Rekord East reports.

This according to the South African breast milk reserve (SABR), which issued an urgent call for donations.

“We’ve seen so much success in hospitals where we supply donated breastmilk and, ironically, after World Prematurity Day (17 November) our stock is running critically low,” said SABR executive director Stasha Jordan.

“While a mother’s milk is essential for the survival of a premature baby, donated breast milk is often given when a mother’s milk is not available.”

“We urge everyone to spread the message calling for breast milk donations.”

Jordan said mothers of premature babies might be unable to supply the required volume of milk, which meant more donated milk was needed.

Paediatrics emeritus professor Suzanne Delport said premature births were the result of a variety of mostly unpreventable reasons.

“However, caesarean sections being scheduled too early without sound medical reasoning is a preventable factor that has become a trend in the private sector. We must urge against such behaviour.”

“Complications of prematurity are the most common cause of death in the first 28 days of life as well as deaths in children under five years of age.”

Delport said premature babies who survived also face an increased risk of cerebral palsy, delayed neurodevelopment, and other long-term negative health effects.

“We need to do our best to ensure these babies get all the help that they need to stand a fighting chance of survival.”