Breastmilk is the recommended form of nutrition for all newborn babies. New mothers at Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC) are educated and supported to provide breast milk to their infants. However, medical circumstances arise that sometimes require supplementation and in many instances, a mother's own milk may be unavailable or insufficient. The Life Center for Women at LRMC is now able to prescribe pasteurized donor human milk to those families who need it.

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"We are thrilled to partner with Mothers' Milk Bank of Florida so that every baby has access to mother's milk," said Lisa Wallace, registered nurse and lactation counselor at the Life Center for Women at LRMC. "We are committed to providing the best care possible to our infants, and we know that human milk - when collected and pasteurized by non-profit milk banks to hospital-grade levels - is the future of post-partum care."

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The American Association of Pediatricians has found that donor milk represents a safe and effective approach to obtaining, pasteurizing, and dispensing human milk for use in the hospital setting.

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Human milk is the standard food for infants and young children, including premature and sick newborns, with rare exceptions. Human milk provides optimal nutrition, promotes normal growth and development, and reduces the risk of illness and disease. The unique composition of human milk cannot be duplicated. Pasteurized donor milk retains many of its beneficial properties and helps protect the baby from infection."

"Human milk is easily digested and contains the necessary nutrients, enzymes, growth factors and hormones essential for growth and development," continued Wallace. "The Life Center for Women at LRMC is pleased to be able to help breastfeeding families provide a consistent, high standard of care to their newborn babies