Central Oregon milk donors help preterm infants

New moms in Central Oregon gave back to the community Saturday. The Northwest Mothers Milk Bank and the Central Oregon Breastfeeding Coalition hosted a milk drive.

There’s a high demand in hospitals for a safe source of human milk, and today the
donations exceeded the goals.

When a baby is born prematurely, the mother’s body might not be ready to produce milk.

That’s where milk donors come in, and there was no shortage of them on Saturday.

“As long as I am making milk for (my daughter) I will donate all the extra,” said donor Audrey Torrance.

The Northwest Mothers Milk Bank and Central Oregon Breastfeeding Coalition hosted the first Great Northwest Milk Drive.

Milk bank Executive Director Lesley Mondeaux said these donations go to the babies that need them the most.

“For the fragile and vulnerable population of preterm babies, having an exclusive breast milk diet really helps them to grow and thrive and overcome illness,” Mondeaux said.

Approved donors’ milk was collected on the spot, and interested moms were screened onsite.

Audrey Torrance has donated before and is a strong believer in the benefits of breast milk.

“It’s natural; your body makes it for your baby. It’s what makes them grow, it’s what’s natural,” said Torrance.

The goal Saturday was to collect 1,500 ounces.

“We’ve had amazing response from Central Oregon mamas,” Mondreaux said. “And we have over 2,100 ounces. That’s been amazing — that will feed so many babies.”

She says it only takes 1-3 ounces per day to feed a preterm baby.

For more information, or to become a donor, call the Northwest Mothers Milk Bank at 1 (800) 204-4444 or visit http://www.donatemilk.org/