The Saskatchewan Health Authority announced in a recent press release that human donor breast milk is now available in Moose Jaw’s Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital as an aide to help newborn babies transition to breastfeeding.
The pasteurized donor human milk (pDHM) is supplied by the NorthernStar Mother’s Milk Bank, located in Calgary. The federally-regulated milk bank accepts screened donations of excess breast milk from mothers, which then undergoes a pasteurization process to eliminate bacteria and make the milk safe for all babies.
“As a family doctor, and mom of three, I am so excited for pDHM to be available at our hospital,” said Dr. Joanne Fynn, a family physician at Alliance Health Clinic in Moose Jaw, in the press release. “Moms who want to exclusively breastfeed will now have this safe and beneficial supplement option available, if needed, while in hospital.”
Human milk is recommended as the best source of nutrition for the first six months of a child’s life. Breastmilk offers greater nutritional benefits for growth and development, as well as protection from various infections, food allergies, and issues in the digestive tract.
Families outside of the hospital can also access human breast milk from the NorthernStar Mother’s Milk Bank, with a prescription from an appropriate medical professional.
Currently, Saskatchewan has milk bank drop off locations in Saskatoon, Regina, and Yorkton. Moose Jaw is planning to become a drop-site for the milk bank in the future.
The availability of human milk in the Dr. F.H Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw aligns with National Breastfeeding Week in Canada.
