Moms can donate during the first six months of their infant's life. and, according to Garcés, at the moment they have «optimal reserves for current needs», he points out. Currently there 40 women donors, a "similar" figure to last year at this time, and that In the end they amounted to 171. "There are times when there are fewer active mothers but more liters donated," says Garcés, a situation that occurred during the pandemic, when, for example, there were 30% fewer donor mothers but more liters of milk. In 2021 there were 605 and a year before, 1.037.
"The important thing is to meet the needs" and that can be done, since breast milk "does not expire" - unlike blood - and can be preserved for more than a year, so "if instead of two newborns there are nine" with needs, "there are reserves for take care of them."
Garcés points out that in recent years demand has decreased, perhaps due to "pregnancy control methods" and "because the rate of low weight has decreased."
90% of mothers who have just had a baby are suitable, assures the manager of the Blood Bank. The only requirements are to be in good health, to be breastfeeding your baby, and to have enough milk. During their visit to Primary Care, an analysis is performed and after answering a brief questionnaire, they are informed about how to extract milk and how to preserve it. Once a week it is the Milk Bank that collects the bottles and a biological control is carried out to confirm that "there are no risks." The next step is freezing below 80 degrees for storage and use when necessary. Recently, a nutritional assessment of the milk is carried out to take into account "which is the most suitable for the newborn."
Milky Way supports extending breastfeeding time
The benefits of breastfeeding are known, not only for premature babies but for newborns in general. This week is celebrated in the southern hemisphere (in the north it was moved to October so as not to coincide with August). In Zaragoza there are two associations that promote this form of feeding for babies, Lactaria and Vía Láctea. The first considers that “savings” is one of the factors, but it has also been shown that they are “more nourished, cared for psychologically and favors attachment.” ", so they defend that the baby's diet during the first six months of his life should be exclusively breast milk.
Although there are no events organized for Breastfeeding Week, this year the motto is “we promote breastfeeding by supporting and educating”, since with the emergence of formula milk and various social changes this form of feeding has been reduced. in Western society. That is why Vía Láctea is committed to “educating and informing so that women can make informed decisions and recover the culture of breastfeeding” for those who decide to breastfeed their babies for as long as they want. To achieve this, it is urgent to facilitate cohabitation in hospital admissions, extend maternity leave, as well as “normalize the practice of co-sleeping.”
