If you had no breastmilk, would you use a breastmilk bank?

[*Efjay*]

I don't think that the baby would be put to the breast of the mother on life support, But her milk expressed. I was only refering to the first few feeds as well, nothing long term.

I think in the case of premmie babies, it is encouranged more to give breastmilk. At the ABA conference I attended earlier this year there wasa guest speaker from the Hospital in Newcastle (I think) and he spoke about the important role of BM for premmie babies. But he did also talk about how for very premmie babies it wasn't enough & specially formulated formula was also needed to meet the requirement a baby of such low birth weight. They need to put on weight on fast & from what I could understand of his disscussion, BM alone just doesn't cut it. BUT he was talking about really really premmie babies, like less then 30 weeks.
Alot of the ABA counsellors didn't totally agree with him, but only because no trial (as such) has actually been done to see if they can thrive & survive on BM alone in those situations. But hey, what parent is going to put their hand up & say yeah go ahead try it on my baby. KWIM.

[Toy Tester]

Probably not really a question for a male to be answering, but i thought i'd add my opinion.

I answered 'No i would use formula'. Main reason is i cant see anything wrong with FF kids. I was a FF kid and grew up normal. IMO anyway

I never got any childhood illnesses, just the odd cold etc...So saying that FF kids are more likely to catch illnesses and diseases is a crock.
My weight has never been an issue. My BMI has always been in between 20 & 25. So FF didn't make me obese.

My DS was FF from day 1 and is thriving. I was involved from day 1 and i am glad that i could share in the experience with DW. The thought of my little man being attached to, or guzzling down some other womans milk does not appeal to me.

No regrets. IMO

Mick

[chelleg]

At the ABA conference I attended earlier this year there wasa guest speaker from the Hospital in Newcastle (I think) and he spoke about the important role of BM for premmie babies.

Do you remember who the speaker was FJ? I often feel alot of the NICU staff don't see breastmilk as 'important' but perhaps this is more the Nursing staff then the medical staff...

My two cents worth on this topic....

A few months ago i was chatting to one of the lactation consultants and she bought up the use of 'breastmilk banks', which were common in hospitals up until recent times (apparently!) I remember my first reaction was :eek: and i thought i would never ever let my baby have someone elses breastmilk. However when she (like others on here have) pointed out that i didn't even blink an eyelid at giving my baby another species breastmilk it shed a different light on my view. In saying that, i ticked undecided on the poll. I just don't know if i would. I don't have any rational thinking, but something about it just doesn't seem right - even though i know it's not wrong.... I'm sure that makes no sense what so ever LOL
I do understand the enormous benefits of breastmilk for babies, particularly for premature bubs, so for that reason i think it's a great idea.

[*Efjay*]

Do you remember who the speaker was FJ? I often feel alot of the NICU staff don't see breastmilk as 'important' but perhaps this is more the Nursing staff then the medical staff...

Oh Gees, Now your really askin gme to use my brain! Actually I was wanting to find out so your request has just reminded me to ask someone who will know. I know he is Scottish & hot! LOL.

Leave it with me & I will let you know when I find out.

ETA: Just remembered, he was from the John Hunter Hospital.

[chelleg]

I know he is Scottish & hot! LOL.

There are 2 that could fit that description. Both from the UK and both easy on the eye!

Paul Craven is one of them - he's a neonatologist, and Michel Stark is the other - he's a NICU fellow...