California's recent legislative change, Assembly Bill 3059, has markedly improved access to donor milk for medically fragile newborns, but this progress has led to a 30% increase in demand that the current supply cannot meet. Mothers’ Milk Bank California is now calling on eligible nursing mothers to donate, highlighting the critical need to ensure that vulnerable infants receive this life-saving nutrition without delay.
AB3059, known as the Human Milk Bill, mandates that commercial insurance cover medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk, recognizing it as an essential health benefit. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for hospitals to obtain a tissue bank license to distribute milk from a licensed tissue bank, thereby eliminating a significant barrier to access. While these changes have made donor milk more accessible and affordable for families, the sudden surge in demand has outpaced the available supply, putting some infants at risk of not receiving the nutrition they need.
The implications of this demand surge are profound. Without an increase in donations, wait times for families may lengthen, and some infants could face delays in receiving donor milk, which is crucial for their development and health. Jennifer Benito, CEO of Mothers’ Milk Bank California, emphasizes the importance of community action in addressing this gap, stating, "This is a breakthrough in equitable neonatal care. But we need the public’s help to meet the rising demand to try to ensure that every baby receives this lifesaving nourishment."
In response to the increased need, Mothers’ Milk Bank California has introduced new, more convenient ways for mothers to donate, including Saturday donor screening appointments, at-home milk pick-up services in certain counties, and expanded drop-off options at their San Jose headquarters and collection centers throughout the state. These initiatives aim to make the donation process as accessible as possible for potential donors.
The success of AB3059 in improving access to donor milk underscores the importance of donor milk in neonatal care, not only for preterm infants but also for full-term newborns in Well Baby and Postpartum units. Research suggests that donor milk can reduce feeding complications, support gut health, and lower the risk of hospital readmissions. As demand continues to grow, the need for donations becomes ever more critical to ensure that all infants who need donor milk can benefit from its life-saving properties.
