LEXINGTON, Ky. — It's Black Breastfeeding Week, and the Kentucky Blood Center is continuing its partnership with The Milk Bank, an Indianapolis-based organization making it possible for people to donate breast milk for premature babies across the commonwealth.
What You Need To Know
- August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
- Black Breastfeeding Week is celebrated Aug. 25-31 to raise awareness on the experience of motherhood for Black women
- The Kentucky Blood Center partnered with Indianapolis-based The Milk Bank, aiding with Bluegrass babies being fed
- Every ounce of donated milk is equal to three feedings for infants in need
Mandy Brajuha, vice president of executive relations for the Kentucky Blood Center and mother of two, said she understands firsthand the challenges many mothers face in producing enough milk to nourish their babies.
"As a mom of two myself who was really committed to breastfeeding my children, it's not an easy path," said Brajuha as she reflected on her own experience. "It wasn't as natural or as easy as I thought it would be."
The Kentucky Blood Center formed a partnership with The Milk Bank in 2021, establishing four locations in Lexington and Louisville where people can drop off milk donations.
"We're simply a conduit," Brajuha said. "We take those donations on a regular basis, pack them up and ship them to The Milk Bank."
The Milk Bank in Indianapolis is one of 27 breast milk banks in North America. Once the milk is donated, it undergoes pasteurization to extend its shelf life before being distributed to neonatal intensive care units and outpatient families, primarily in Indiana, Kentucky and the St. Louis area.
Donors must meet certain requirements before contributing.
"There’s a bunch of testing that needs to happen to make sure you’re a qualified donor," Brajuha said. "Then they will set you up and give you information about how to freeze your milk and what size bags they need to be in."
Each ounce of donated milk is equivalent to three feedings for infants in need.
"It’s great that there are programs like this out there where people who may have all other kinds of obstacles that even I didn’t have to go through will be able to access and get their kids those essential nutrients and vitamins that come through breast milk," Brajuha added
In 2022, March of Dimes data showed one in nine babies were born preterm in Kentucky, with Black infants showing the highest rate. Visit the KBC's website or The Milk Bank to find out how to donate and/or receive milk.