After making my last post, I felt the need to suggest what I believe
might be an important step in encouraging breastfeeding.  It is sad that
there are so few human milk banks in North America(7 or 8?).  A good
friend and colleague of mine, Kandis Natoli, R.N., IBCLC(hope you don't
mind me mentioning your name, Kandi) in a conversation about this
situation suggested to me that milk banks should be tied in with blood
banks because blood banks already have the facilities.  I believe that
for every blood bank there should be a milk bank.  If we had a milk bank
in every major hospital across the country(the world) we would have an
alternative to ABMs, and other interesting gruels given to infants.
During times of disasters,  human milk would be sent not ABMs.
Having alot of milk banks says to communities that breast milk is
important and necessary.  Did I just read a post to Lactnet that
mentioned a  new milk bank in Austin, TX?  There are some 1400 or more
Lactnetters.  How about each of us finding one small or big way to make
this dream a reality?  If anyone has started a milk bank and has the
time to share any info on who to approach and how to go about this
endeavor, please e-mail me.  Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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