I received several requests for assistance starting a milk bank.  I shared
the following, and would encourage others to contact the Mothers Milk Bank
at Austin where staff can help further.

Every project starts with small steps.  In our community, two neonatologists
who were convinced of the benefits of human milk put out some feelers to see
if there was anybody else who wanted to help try to get a bank organized.
We had a few preliminary meetings, collected some info, and started trying
to raise money with grants and donations, located a donated space, and
started trying to find donated office equip.  Medela gave us a small grant
to buy our first pasteurizer, and a local appliance shop donated a freezer.
I think having doctors on board helps, and we feel strongly that forming a
board of directors comprised of community leaders from other than health
professionals is also helpful.  It allows you to tap into these other parts
of the community for help/money/ideas.  We have a nun, a rabbi, insurance
people, donor moms, LLLLeaders, business and technology people, etc.

  If you haven't talked to any of your local neonatologists, invite one to
speak at your local ILCA affiliate meeting, or meet with one in a one-on-one
situation and test the waters.

Our milk bank has a web site www.mmbaustin.org.  You can learn more about
how we did things there, your can invite one of our neos to come speak at a
meeting of your neos (get someone like a local business to spring for a
meal, and have one of our docs be the speaker.  You'll have to pay the
speaker, but perhaps your docs would pay a fee if you offer CMEs. Call our
milk bank and ask for help. 512-494-0800.
Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
LactNews Press
www.lactnews.com

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