Human Milk Banking Guidelines Revised
July 5, 2007 by Amy Spangler | 3 questions or comments
credits: iStockphoto
Human Milk
Published in 2006 by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, (HMBANA) this 40-page document is a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to all aspects of expression, storage, and handling of human milk.
The new edition will also be available for purchase at the HMBANA 2007 International Congress. The Congress is scheduled for November 8-9, 2007, at the Doral Tesoro Hotel & Golf Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Individuals interested in learning more about donor milk banking are encourage to attend. For more information, contact HMBANA.
I’ve heard about Human Milk Banking Association and also about the National Milk Bank. What’s the difference?
Dear Naomi,
Regarding HMBANA and the National Milk Bank:
HMBANA is a non-profit organization made up of 12 non-profit milk banks that provide a safe, optimal product at a very reasonable price. We charge a processing fee to cover the expense of screening and processing donors and their milk, and for decades have been working on the many issues to do with human milk.
HMBANA is recognized globally as an expert in human milk banking and we have just launched the International Milk Banking Initiative to network with non-profit milk banks globally. More information at: www.hmbana.org.
It appears from the for-profit Prolactata Bioscience website that the National Milk Bank (NMB) collects milk for Prolacta although I could not find this information on the NMB website. HMBANA has no relationship with Prolacta or the National Milk Bank.
Frances Jones
President HMBANA
Naomi,
I would concur with Frances’ comments about the non-profit banks that are members of HMBANA and add that although the processing fee for donor milk from a non-profit bank runs $3-$4 per ounce, that is only part of the cost of actually providing the donor milk. Donors are paid nothing for their milk, nor is anyone else paid to collect milk for the non-profit banks. It is a gift from the heart. However, there is expense involved in carefully screening donors and pasteurizing the milk and record-keeping. The processes used in the milk banks following HMBANA guidelines both for screening donors and for process the milk have been carefully researched over the years and are annually updated to reflect current medical practice. As Frances said, HMBANA is considered an international leader in donor milk banking.
Mary Rose Tully
Immediate Past President HMBANA