Who are eligible for receiving pasteurised donor breast milk?

To ensure equitable access and appropriate utilisation of this limited resource, donor breast milk is dispensed by prescription with the following eligibility criteria:

• Infants born at less than 32 weeks' gestation
• Infants with a birth weight of less than 1,500 grams
• Infants with medical or surgical conditions that require donor breast milk
• Infants at the discretion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team head

What are the benefits of donor breast milk?

Breast milk is the best food for babies, providing nourishment and multiple health benefits. Breast milk is easy to digest and absorb. Also, compared with milk formula, breast milk has more immunological factors.

Evidence shows that for preterm and sick babies, breast milk can offer protection from infections, feeding intolerance and life-threatening complications such as necrotising enterocolitis, and foster better long-term growth and development.

When mothers' own breast milk is unavailable or insufficient, pasteurised donor breast milk is the next best alternative.

Can I request for pasteurised donor breast milk use for my child?

Your child has to meet the eligibility criteria listed above. You may consult your child's doctor at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit if you need further information.

How do I know if my child is prescribed with pasteurised donor breast milk?

If an infant is eligible, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team member will discuss the potential benefits and risks of pasteurised donor breast milk with a parent or guardian, and obtain an informed consent from them before prescribing pasteurised donor breast milk to the infant.

What are the things I need to consider before giving consent to the use of pasteurised donor breast milk for my child?

Some babies have been shown to grow more slowly on donor milk, and will require nutritional supplementation. All babies' growth is monitored and adjustments to intake are made to optimise growth. There is a very small theoretical risk of infection associated with the use of pasteurised donor breast milk. However, over decades of human milk banking worldwide, reports of adverse events, including infection, are extremely rare. The risks associated with formula milk are well documented.

Can I choose not to give pasteurised donor breast milk to my child or withdraw consent later?

Yes. You can choose not to give consent or withdraw your consent at any time. Your decision will not affect the standard of medical care provided to your child.

Do I need to pay for the pasteurised donor breast milk?

No extra cost will be charged for using donor breast milk.

Will I know who the milk donors are?

No. All donors are kept anonymous. Personal information collected by the Breast Milk Bank is only accessible to authorised personnel and will remain confidential.