Iowa milk bank seeks more donations amid U.S. shortage

The big picture: Medical advancements in recent decades have allowed more children born with very low birth weights to survive.

• A mother's ability to nurse can be delayed for days, especially for those who give birth prematurely.

State of play: Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa provides donated breast milk to babies in dozens of hospitals across the Midwest when their mother's milk isn't available.

• The bank saw donors decline by more than 20% last year, according to data the organization shared with Axios.

By the numbers: There were 346 donors in 2020, a record in the Iowa bank's nearly 20-year history.

• Last year's 269 donors are more in line with pre-pandemic levels, coordinator Heidi Baudhuin told Axios.
• Baudhuin speculated that the spike could've been in part a result of more women working from home, which made pumping and donations easier.

What they're saying: Despite the drop last year, the Iowa bank is well-stocked to supply donations through the state, Baudhuin said.

• Yes, but: Donations are still needed, particularly to help distribute to other states where supplies are short.

How to help: Potential donors can review prescreening information online or contact Baudhuin by email or phone at 319-384-9930.