Human milk banking has been widely reported in the media recently, partly as a result of the Channel Four programme “Other Peoples Breast Milk”. UKAMB feels it is important to emphasise that all Breastmilk issued by UK milk banks is from donors who are rigorously screened and the milk is tested and pasteurised to ensure safety.
Donor Breastmilk from UK milk banks is available in response to requests from clinicians and is almost exclusively used to feed sick and premature babies in hospital. Donors are not paid for their milk and UKAMB recognises their altruism and dedication in providing milk banks with this precious resource.
Liz O’Neill, donor to the Cheshire and North Wales Milk Bank in Chester has kindly given permission for UKAMB to publish the following letter, written in response to the programme ‘Other People’s Breast Milk’.
Liz O'Neill's letter