New breast milk bank opened at Freiburg University Hospital

A new breast milk bank has started at the University Hospital Freiburg
In many cases, the benefits of breast milk for the health of the offspring have been scientifically proven in recent years. "Especially premature babies benefit from the unique components of breast milk, which, among other things, offers them natural protection against infections and serious intestinal problems," according to the University of Freiburg. In order to guarantee the availability of breastmilk even in women who do not produce enough milk themselves, the first women's milk bank in Germany was initiated in Freiburg.

Mothers of premature babies, according to the University Hospital Freiburg "often only little or no milk." So far, in such cases, a preemie diet based on artificial baby food was required. A better alternative, however, is the use of donated breast milk, reports the Freiburg University Hospital, citing the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO). In future, the new breast milk bank is to offer help here.

First breast milk bank opened in Baden-Württemberg. (Image: cicisbeo / fotolia.com

Optimum care of premature and newborns
At the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine of the University Medical Center Freiburg under the supervision of the neonatologist and pediatric intensive care physician Dr. med. Daniel Klotz opened the first women's milk bank in Baden-Württemberg. "Here, mothers of premature babies or newborn babies, who make a surplus of breast milk beyond the needs of their own child, can donate their milk for optimal nutrition of other preemies in the hospital," said the University Hospital.

Breast milk is processed for storage
For storage in the milk bank, the donated breast milk is first examined microbiologically and pasteurized if necessary. Subsequently, storage takes place at minus 20 degrees Celsius. "The milk is available after preparation for consumption for premature babies and sick newborns who do not receive milk from their own mother," according to the University of the Uniklinik. As donors mothers of other new and premature babies who are treated at the neonatal intensive care unit of the University Hospital Freiburg, provided. The women are specially selected and tested for diseases, explain the doctors.

Significant benefits of breast milk for the offspring
"The aim of our women's milk bank is to provide breast milk to all very small premature babies in their own department, so that they can benefit from the valuable components of breast milk," emphasizes Dr. med. Klotz. For example, premature babies who are fed with donated breast milk instead of artificial baby food are significantly less affected by severe intestinal complications and show better nutritional tolerance. In addition, a better neurological development in premature babies through the breast milk is suspected, so the university hospital on. According to Dr. Klotz provides "the women's milk bank an important building block in the optimal care of our smallest premature babies." (Fp)