California lawmakers have taken a significant step toward supporting infant health by officially designating May as the state's first Human Milk Donation Month. Senate Resolution 20, authored by Senators Dave Cortese and Aisha Wahab, seeks to draw attention to the life-saving potential of donated human milk for premature and medically fragile infants.
The resolution comes at a critical time, with current data revealing that only 2% of eligible donors in California are contributing breast milk, despite a pressing need. Approximately 1 in 11 babies is born prematurely and may require donor human milk to survive and thrive. In California's neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), up to 99% of very preterm or very low birthweight babies utilize pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM).
Mothers' Milk Bank California has reported a 30% increase in demand for donor human milk over the past year, highlighting the growing necessity of this resource. The organization currently distributes PDHM to 60% of NICUs in California and surrounding regions, underscoring the critical role of milk banks in infant healthcare.
Preterm infants face numerous challenges that make donor human milk essential. Circumstances such as maternal absence, potential disease transmission risks, medication interactions, and lactation difficulties can prevent mothers from providing their own breast milk. Donor milk offers a safe, scientifically validated alternative that can significantly improve infant health outcomes.
The donation process involves rigorous medical screening to ensure donor health and milk safety. Donated milk undergoes pasteurization to eliminate potential pathogens while preserving its nutritional value. Each ounce of donated milk represents a potential lifeline for vulnerable infants, particularly those at risk of serious conditions like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal intestinal disease.
Senator Dave Cortese emphasized the public health implications, noting that breast milk is one of the most cost-effective methods to improve overall health. The resolution has garnered support from numerous healthcare and community organizations, including UC Health Milk Bank, California Breastfeeding Coalition, and several county-level breastfeeding support groups.
By establishing May as Human Milk Donation Month, California aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ultimately increase the number of milk donors. The initiative represents a critical step toward ensuring that every premature and medically fragile infant has access to the life-sustaining benefits of human milk.
