Regarding our donation of donor milk for Barbara Whitehead's patient-

1. The baby had no "normal" human milk available to him.  We provided some 
22 calorie (slightly higher than typical mom's own milk).  We have found 
that most NICU's want either 20 calorie, 24 calorie or fortifier.  I had 
some excess 22 calorie and thought it could help.  We did not commit to 
offering a lifetime supply because we were not asked for it. Along with 
the donated milk, we also donated an electric pump so that this mom could 
build up her own milk supply and resume nursing.

2.  Janice's concern that Prolacta wishes to compete with the non-profit 
milk banks could not be further from the truth.  After talking to many 
neonatologists about why they do not offer processed human milk to sick 
neonates, they listed a variety of reasons.  We gave them what they wanted 
and now they are providing it to babies in need.  None of the hospitals we 
are working with have stopped working with HMBANA because of our 
relationship with them.  HMBANA serves the need for donor milk well and I 
salute them for their efforts.  In fact, we refer all calls from 
individuals wanting to purchase milk to the HMBANA milk banks as we sell 
only to hospital NICUs.  Because of the extra requirements to get donor 
milk into the NICU, the cost is higher.  We have asked neonatologists 
which of our tests, safety procedures or third party validations they 
think is unnecessary that we could eliminate and lower the cost, they 
don't want us to eliminate anything.

3.  Jane is right.  Blood products are donated, sent to for-profit 
processors and sold to hospitals where patients need blood products.  If 
my child needed a transfusion, I would not refuse it because someone made 
a profit in the process of producing a safe blood product for my child's 
use.  

4.  Finally, rest assured that donors are fully informed that their 
donation will be processed and sold to hospitals for use with preemies.  
They have to sign a consent form, stating that they understand that.  
We're not deceiving them, manipulating them or acting unethically in any 
way.  When the medical community tells us they want donors to be paid for 
their donations, we'll consider it.  But for now, we have a 100% altuistic 
donation system and that's how it is.

Hope this helps clear up some very negative speculation.  I wanted to 
donate the milk for Riley because I felt sorry for him and his family, had 
some available and knew it would help.  That's the extent of it. I'm sure 
the parents would appreciate donations from any of the HMBANA milk banks, 
if they are willing to help out as well.  

Elena Medo

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