Everything You Need to Know About ómmb | Oklahoma Mothers Milk Bank

Human breast milk provides several health benefits to infants. Unfortunately, not all mothers have difficulties that prevent them from breastfeeding or from producing adequate milk. In these cases, milk banks are critical in ensuring that neonates in need receive donated breast milk. One such well-known milk bank is the Oklahoma Mothers Milk Bank (OMMB).

This website will tell you all you need to know about OMMB/MMB, including its aims, services, and influence on the well-being of children and families.

What exactly is a Milk Bank?

Donated human breast milk is collected, processed, and distributed through milk banks, which are non-profit organisations, for newborns who are unable to get breast milk from their original mothers.

These banks are critical in ensuring that newborns, particularly preterm babies and those with health concerns, receive the needed nutrients and antibodies contained in breast milk.

Breast Milk Is Essential for Infants

Breast milk is nature’s ideal meal for newborns and toddlers.

It contains defence systems like as antibodies, as well as important nutrients and growth-stimulating enzymes.

Breast milk improves a child’s health in the long term by protecting them from infections and lowering their chances of acquiring allergies.

For the first six months of life, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that a baby eat only breast milk.

Oklahoma Mothers Milk Bank’s Mission

A nonprofit organisation called MMB is devoted to promoting the health and well-being of preterm and medically sensitive children by distributing appropriately pasteurised donor human milk.

MMB’s purpose is to ensure that all newborns, regardless of gestational age, medical issues, or familial circumstances, have access to the advantages of human milk.

How Does MMB Work?

MMB runs a network of milk collecting centres where donors can drop off their expressed east milk.

Trained personnel collect, inspect, process, and store donated milk in accordance with rigorous norms and rules.

The milk is then pasteurised to kill any germs while preserving its nutritious content.

Donating to MMB: The Procedure and Criteria

To give to MMB, individuals must meet specific criteria.

These include having more milk than their own infant requires, not smoking, and refraining from illicit drug usage.

Prospective donors are subjected to a screening procedure that involves a detailed health history questionnaire and blood tests to ensure the security and quality of donated milk.

Donated Milk Screening and Testing

To assure the safety of donated milk, each batch is thoroughly screened and tested.

This covers bacterium, virus, and drug testing.

Only milk that fulfils MMB’s stringent safety and quality criteria is permitted for processing and distribution.

Donated Milk Pasteurisation and Storage

Following the screening procedure, the milk is pasteurised using a specialised technology that destroys dangerous bacteria and viruses while conserving the milk’s important nutrients.

The pasteurised milk is then kept in temperature-controlled refrigerators until it is ready for distribution.

Milk Distribution to Recipients

It offers essential nutrition, promotes proper growth and development, and reduces the risk of sickness.

Donations of breast milk are especially crucial for preterm newborns who may have other health concerns.

Helping Needy Mothers 

MMB assists moms who are unable to breastfeed their own infants due to sickness, a shortage of milk, or other circumstances.

MMB helps these mothers to provide their children with the best dietary and medical care possible by providing them with a stable and safe source of donor milk.

The Influence of MMB

MMB has had a profound influence on the lives of many newborns and families since its inception.

Because of the organization’s dedication to delivering excellent, safe, and compassionate care, both healthcare professionals and parents have learned to trust it.

MMB continues to fight to improve the health of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable babies.

Conclusion

The Oklahoma moms Milk Bank (MMB) is critical in supplying donated breast milk to newborns who cannot obtain milk from their own moms.

MMB protects the safety and quality of donated milk through rigorous screening, testing, and pasteurisation processes.

The purpose of the organisation to assist and enhance the health of preterm and medically fragile newborns has a long-term influence on the lives of many families.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is it possible for anyone to donate milk to MMB?

Ans: In order to give milk to MMB, persons must satisfy certain conditions, such as being in excellent general health and having an excess of milk over their own baby’s needs. Prospective donors are screened to assure the safety and quality of donated milk.

Q2: How long may donor breast milk be kept?

Ans: Donated breast milk can be kept in professionally monitored freezers for up to a year. However, to maintain ideal freshness and quality, it is normally given to recipients within a shorter duration.

Q3: Is it safe for premature babies to get donated breast milk?

Yes, donated breast milk is appropriate for preterm newborns. It gives them important nutrition and helps them grow and thrive. Pasteurisation guarantees that the milk is free of pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Is there any cost associated with receiving milk from MMB?

Ans: MMB is a non-profit organisation that offers free donated milk to recipients. This assures that newborns in need can benefit from human milk, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Q5: How Can I Support MMB’s Work?

Ans: There are various methods to assist MMB’s efforts. Consider giving a monetary gift, offering your time and talents, or raising awareness about the value of donor milk and MMB’s services. Your assistance can make a huge impact in the lives of needy newborns and families.