CCM Health Partners with Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies

CCM Health is pleased to announce a new initiative to provide donor breastmilk for temporary supplementation to newborns in the hospital. This option is now available to support mothers who wish to exclusively breastfeed but may need temporary supplementation during their hospital stay.

CCM Health has partnered with the Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies to source high-quality donor milk. All donor milk goes through a rigorous screening process and is pasteurized (heat treated) to ensure it meets safety standards before being brought to our facility. This service allows mothers to maintain consistency in their baby’s gut flora, similar to an exclusively breastfed infant, even when supplementation is required.

“We understand that some new mothers may face challenges with breastfeeding, and we want to offer an option that supports their goal of exclusively breastfeeding their baby,” said Perinatal Services Supervisor, Niki Strand. “Donor milk is a great temporary supplement that can ease this transition, and we’re excited to offer this complimentary service to our patients.”

Accessing Donor Milk at CCM Health

• Who is it for? This service is available for newborns born at CCM Health who are receiving inpatient care. It is specifically designed for mothers who wish to exclusively breastfeed and may need temporary supplementation.
• How is it provided? Donor milk is available upon request and with patient consent. Your provider and nurse will discuss whether donor milk would be beneficial for you and your baby during your stay. To use this service, parents will need to sign a consent form.
• Cost: There is no charge for donor milk while in the hospital.
• Storage: The donor milk is shipped frozen and kept frozen until needed. It is available in 3.3 oz bottles, which are typically sufficient for temporary supplementation. Open bottles provided to the patient may be taken home upon discharge.

Benefits of Donor Breastmilk

Donor milk offers numerous benefits, including supporting an infant’s gut health by providing nutrition that closely mimics the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. For mothers who experience temporary breastfeeding challenges, donor milk helps ensure their baby continues to receive optimal nourishment.

While this service is currently only available for inpatients, CCM Health is exploring additional options for the future. For now, we are focused on ensuring that new mothers and their babies have access to this valuable resource during their hospital stay.