Copyright © Precious Drops Campaign 2011. Registered Charity No. 1055900
why do we need a milk bank at southmead?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that all babies are breastfed.
The health benefits of breastfeeding, both for mothers and babies, are now well documented.
Southmead Hospital has full accreditation under the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, demonstrating its
commitment to a high standard of support for women in initiating and establishing breastfeeding.
Sometimes it may be difficult or impossible for a woman to breastfeed her own baby.
Some of the reasons for this are:
● In a premature delivery, a mother’s milk supply may not become established enough to provide milk
for her baby sometimes the stress of caring for a very ill infant can affect the milk supply.
● A mother who delivers twins or triplets might not have enough milk supply to nourish all of her babies.
● Some medicines taken by the mother for a health problem, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can harm a baby.
● A mother might have a health problem that prevents her from breastfeeding or makes it impossible for
her to produce milk.
Support for re-establishing a milk bank in Bristol comes from committed hospital staff, volunteers, and
breastfeeding Support organisations such as the National Childbirth Trust, La Leche League and the
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.
We also have the support of the Freewheelers Emergency Bikers
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that all babies are breastfed.
The health benefits of breastfeeding, both for mothers and babies, are now well documented.
Southmead Hospital has full accreditation under the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, demonstrating its
commitment to a high standard of support for women in initiating and establishing breastfeeding.
Sometimes it may be difficult or impossible for a woman to breastfeed her own baby.
Some of the reasons for this are:
● In a premature delivery, a mother’s milk supply may not become established enough to provide milk
for her baby sometimes the stress of caring for a very ill infant can affect the milk supply.
● A mother who delivers twins or triplets might not have enough milk supply to nourish all of her babies.
● Some medicines taken by the mother for a health problem, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can harm a baby.
● A mother might have a health problem that prevents her from breastfeeding or makes it impossible for
her to produce milk.
Support for re-establishing a milk bank in Bristol comes from committed hospital staff, volunteers, and
breastfeeding Support organisations such as the National Childbirth Trust, La Leche League and the
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.
We also have the support of the Freewheelers Emergency Bikers
