subject: Philippines National Breastfeeding Strategy! [print this page] Given that there is no replacement for human breast milk when it comes to providing the nutrients to newborns, the Philippine government's state-run breast milk bank has intensified its efforts to collect and store breastfeed milk.
Studies have shown that breast milk not only reduces baby's risk of infection, sudden infant death syndrome but even the danger of childhood cancers.
Jose Fabella Memorial hospital, a popular maternity institution in Manila, the capital of Philippines started its first milk bank in 2007. Since then, two more of its branches in the capital have opened milk banks.
Esmeraldo Ilem, head of the hospital's family planning unit stated, "Human milk or breast milk is the best way to make babies healthy in the early stages of life. Sadly there are many mothers who need to go back to work or do not lactate very well, so this is where our milk comes in."
Human milk bank
The practice of women sharing breast milk is not something unique. It has been prevalent for centuries. However, what is novel is the idea of women selling breast milk in order to make some extra cash.
Some women who produce extra milk sell their breast milk to the hospital in order to help mothers who cannot produce enough of their own to nurse their kids (due to illness or medication).
The donated milk is screened, tested and processed to ensure it does not contain viruses, harmful bacteria, medications or illegal drugs. It is pasteurised and refrigerated. The milk is sold at around $10 (6.50) for four litres to other hospitals and individuals, but the first preference is always mothers.
The Jose Fabella Memorial hospital also helps working mothers give their babies breast milk after returning to work.
Esmeraldo Ilem said "Even hospitals in far-flung areas or provinces come here to buy milk from us. [For instance,] when a mother dies in a hospital [where there is no milk bank, the family] comes here to source the milk."
