New Breast Milk Drop Site Opens In Lorain County, Ohio For Babies In Need
Today I want to give a big shoutout to my sister, Marissa Wayner, for organizing a breast milk drop site for babies in need! Marissa is the WIC Director at Lorain County Public Health and helps women grow a healthy family through nutrition education, supplemental health foods, breastfeeding support, and connections to other health resources.
Marissa and her son Wes are in the middle (Wes is my sweet little godson! 😊)
Through her efforts along with her team, Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) is now a breast milk donation site for the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank which marks the 17th OhioHealth milk drop location in the state.
Marissa says:
“We are thrilled to become a milk drop site here at our WIC clinic. Now breastfeeding moms have an opportunity to help sick and premature babies in a unique and very personal way by donating surplus milk.”
In an article titled Donors can now give breast milk to Lorain County Public Health, I learned that in 2021 alone, OhioHealth distributed nearly 421,107 ounces of milk all over the country — that’s 3,289 gallons! “Just 1 ounce can feed a premature infant for three days,” said nurse Chris Smith, Outreach Coordinator and Lactation Consultant at the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank.
So, in honor of this fantastic new milk drop site, let’s take a closer look at WIC, the benefits of breast milk, and the milk donation process.
What is WIC?
WIC is the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a federal nutrition education program conducted through the Ohio Department of Health.
According to loraincountyhealth.com, “WIC provides supplemental foods which promote good health for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five.”
what are the benefits of breast milk?
As highlighted in this article:
“Babies — especially those who are premature, ill or have life-threatening conditions — benefit greatly from breast milk, which provides nutrients and immune protection. Babies benefit from the active growth hormones, developmental enzymes and immunological factors found in breast milk.
Research shows that breast milk helps preterm babies:
Reach full feeds sooner and need fewer IVs.
Mature their intestines faster.
Spend fewer days in the hospital.
Reduce risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a potentially fatal bowel infection.
Reduce risk of sepsis and other infections.
Experience long-term IQ advantages over formula-fed infants.
Become healthier older children and adults.”
How does Breast milk donation work?
To become a breast milk donor, mothers must first take part in a screening process. This process includes a signed medical release from their physician along with a medical and lifestyle history review. The mother also consents to having a blood test for various viruses and bacteria.
Once approved, the donated milk is distributed to hospitals and by prescription to babies in need.
In 2017, Marissa went through the process herself and donated a total of 653 ounces of breast milk! A true hero! (Also, hi to my sweet little niece Bella here in these photos. 😊)
Where can i donate or get more information?
Milk banks rely on donations from healthy, lactating women who provide milk. Interested donors can email milkbank@ohiohealth.com or call (614) 566-0630.
Thank you to Marissa for her unwavering efforts to help women grow a healthy family!
Xoxo Haylie
Psst… If you’re looking for more resources for kids, check out:
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