September 2010 Donor Milk Shipment -
Frequently Asked Questions
SHIPMENT UPDATE: Due to the government worker strike in South Africa we have had to postpone the August shipment to the third week in September. We will continue to keep you updated as we hear more from our contacts in South Africa.
We are excited to announce that we will be sending a shipment of donor milk to Durban, South Africa in September! See our FAQ's below:
How much milk are you shipping in September?
We have set a goal to send 5,000 ounces this September, but we need help to make it happen. We have partnered with the Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio for this shipment, a fellow non-profit. Over the next couple months, we will be fundraising to help cover the costs associated with making this shipment a success. To make a donation, click here.
Where in South Africa are you sending donor milk in September?
The shipment will be sent to iThemba Lethu in Durban, SA. this is our 7th shipment to this bank.
Why is their an emergent need for donor milk in South Africa?
The number of babies in need of donor milk in South Africa is proportionally large because of the HIV pandemic which has given rise to a large number of AIDS orphans who do not have their own mothers to feed them. These AIDS orphans have been documented to be at higher risk of poor health and to be born prematurely and are therefore very vulnerable if they do not receive life giving breast milk.
The AIDS pandemic has also made it hard to recruit local donors. 40% of pregnant women in the KZN province of South Africa are HIV positive and therefore unable to be donors. Because of the high levels of poverty many potential donors do not have adequate home conditions in terms of hygiene levels and availability of fridge and freezer to make them eligible as donors.
How is the milk shipped?
Quick International Courier (QIC), a priority transportation and logistics company with offices throughout the world, has again generously donated the transport of the milk to South Africa. QIC has been involved with IBMP for over two years and is an instrumental partner in the project due to their expertise with the transportation and logistics of life-critical and time-sensitive items. They ensure the safe transport of the frozen milk from start to finish.
How will the milk be collected and distributed?
Screening of each donor mother follows the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) guidelines which include a phone screening, a written medical, dietary and lifestyle review, a medical release from the mother and baby's healthcare provider; as well as, a negative blood test for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, C, and syphilis.
Upon arrival in South Africa, the milk will be pasteurized at the iThmeba Lethu milk bank and distributed to the babies in the greatest need.
I want to donate milk, what do I do?
We currently have enough donors to meet the needs of this shipment. We do however encourage all moms who wish to donate excess breast milk to click here and register with us. We will refer you to your closest milk bank in need of donor milk.
Is IBMP a milk bank? Where does IBMP get the donor milk?
IBMP is not a milk bank. International Breast Milk Project is an international humanitarian aid organization dedicated to making breast milk an option for as many babies in need as possible.
For this shipment, we have partnered with the Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio, a member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. The International Breast Milk Project and the Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio are very grateful to the caring mothers who share their milk out of concern for all babies; we cherish every drop, each given with great love and with the potential to improve, if not save lives.
How can I support IBMP's mission?
You can support IBMP's mission by donating milk, money or both!
There are babies in the U. S. and around the world in need of donor milk, and by donating your excess breast milk you are helping to fulfill that need. IBMP depends upon ongoing financial support to sustain our programs and services.
We can't do it without you! Click here to make a donation
IBMP has been recognized by Charities Review Council for our financial accountability, governance and transparency.
Is any of the milk collected sold? Does anyone profit off the milk?
The Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio is a non-profit milk bank providing milk by physician's prescription to hospital and outpatient recipients for a fee that partially covers its daily operating cost. The Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio is very grateful to the donor mothers who donate their milk out of compassion and concern for all babies. It is through the generosity of these mothers as well as the collaborative effort of many volunteers, businesses, philanthropic foundations, individuals and health care professionals that we are able to make donor milk an option for many hospitalized and outpatient babies. Together, we are able to make a difference in the lives of many babies and their families and to send the message that nothing can protect and nourish an infant the way human milk can.
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