SES-TO encourages the donation of breast milk

Breast milk is the first human food and a source of nutrients for biological functions, being considered the best food for babies, as it plays a very important role in immunological protection against infectious diseases, nutritional adequacy and emotional and psychological development. To guarantee this nutrition to babies who cannot be fed by their own mother, the State Department of Health (SES-TO) encourages women who breastfeed to donate breast milk.

Donor Tamirys Prado, mother of little Chloe Virgulino Prado, has been donating her breast milk for eight months to the Human Milk Bank at the Dona Regina Hospital and Maternity Hospital (HMDR). “The heart of the mother who is donating is filled with joy, especially after knowing that the amount of milk I give goes to seven to eight babies. Not to mention that it is also important for the mother who will receive this milk to give to her baby and have the opportunity that we know that breast milk offers to the baby who needs it, giving back in some way,” she reported.

The voluntary act carried out by her demonstrates the importance that donating breast milk has in increasing the life chances of premature and low birth weight newborn babies who, with this attitude, achieve a healthier life. This is the main reason for the month to have the White May Campaign, which aims to encourage breastfeeding women to donate.

“Many mothers are breastfeeding and don’t know that their leftover milk can help save the lives of many babies. So this donation of milk for hospitalized babies and for families with hospitalized babies is hope for this baby’s recovery, for saving this baby’s life. We know that breast milk is the most powerful food there is and it is much more than a food. For the hospitalized baby, it is the protection this baby needs to recover”, said nutritionist, coordinator of the HMDR Human Milk Bank, Walkiria Pinheiro.

The coordinator of the HMDR Human Milk Bank added that, “we take advantage of this awareness and make a call to society, to women who are breastfeeding their babies who, when they realize that after the baby breastfeeds and there is a little left of milk in this breast, you can donate the remainder and save several lives”, he added.

Data

This year, Tocantins has already provided 3,848 group services; 6,998 individual services; 811 home visits; has 525 donors; 464 receivers; 699.2 liters of milk collected and 5464.6 liters of milk distributed.

White May Campaign

The date was established in 2015 and represents a special moment to raise awareness in society about the importance of donating human milk, as well as an additional initiative for the protection and promotion of breastfeeding. For this year, the slogan for mobilizing World Human Milk Donation Day in 2024 is called:Love in every drop given, life in every drop received.

Donation

Human milk is essential for the healthy growth of babies, which is why breastfeeding is encouraged. Unable to carry out this process for some reason, the mother and baby can be supported by other mothers, who are able to donate breast milk. To make a donation, the mother must not be taking medications that prevent breastfeeding, not consume drugs, alcoholic beverages and not smoke. The milk bank collects bottles of donated milk from the homes of registered mothers. Contact numbers are: (63) 3218-7734 and 0800-646-8283.

“To be a donor, it’s very simple and easy, just call us, register and we’ll come to your home and take the donation kit and teach you how you’re going to extract and store this milk. So if you are donating to yourself, make your donation and help save the lives of hospitalized babies. Look for a human milk bank closest to your home or a human milk collection point”, explained Walkiria Pinheiro.

Milk Bank units and collection points

Reference Center for Human Milk Banks of Tocantins – Hospital and Maternity Dona Regina Siqueira Campos – Address: ACNE 1, Conj. 04, Lot 36/38, -Palmas – TO, Telephone: (063) 3218-7734. Unit open 24 hours.

Human Milk Collection Station at the Basic Health Unit, at Quadra 403 Norte – Address: Quadra 403 Norte, Alameda 01, APN 40 – Palmas – TO, Telephone: (63) 3218-5205.

Human Milk Bank – Dom Orione Hospital – Address: Rua Dom Orione, n° 100 – Centro, Araguaína – TO, Telephone: (63) 3411-8787 extension 2358.

Human Milk Bank – Gurupi Regional Hospital – Address: Rua Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek, Nº 1541 – Setor Central – Gurupi – TO, Telephone: (63) 3315-0258.

Dona Marly Human Milk Collection Station – Tia Dedé Maternal and Child Hospital – Address: Rua Raquel de Carvalho, Nº 143, Jardim Brasília – Porto Nacional – TO, Telephone: (63) 3363-8301.