Milk banks across the U.S. are reporting donation shortages due in part to the recent Omicron wave and winter weather disrupting the supply chain.
Why it matters: Donated breast milk can help strengthen infants' immune systems and improve development, particularly for premature infants in intensive care units.
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.
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