Breast Milk Depot celebrates 3rd anniversary
12/19/2019
Happy third anniversary to the Breast Milk Depot located at Mayo Family Clinic Southeast, which serves as a collection point for the Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa! Thanks to all the generous lactating mothers who have contributed 15 transports of donated breast milk. Each transport is the size of a chest freezer full of milk. That milk has helped numerous vulnerable, fragile, ill or premature babies get a better start in life.
If you're a lactating mother who has extra milk or experienced the loss of a child and are interested in donating, here's how:
- Set up a verbal interview by contacting the donor coordinator Heidi Baudhuin by email (baudhuin@healthcare.uiowa.edu) or by phone (1-877-891-5347).
- Fill out a written questionnaire; there also will be a form for your health care provider to complete.
- Arrange for a blood test. You'll receive a screening kit in the mail. You'll need to take it to Mayo Family Clinic Southeast to have your blood drawn.
- Blood tests are done 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Your blood will be screened for HIV, hepatitis B and C, HTLV and syphilis.
If you qualify to donate, congratulations! When you're ready to make a donation, call 1-507-293-8590 and ask for the charge nurse at the Southeast Clinic before dropping off your milk to make sure someone will be available to accept it. Drop-off hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Thank you for your part in giving babies the best start in life possible.