Human Milk Banking

Since the creation of the first formal human milk bank just over 100 years ago, 550 milk banks have opened their doors in 37 countries worldwide. How much do you know about how they operate? After this course’s deep dive, you will have a complete understanding of the art and science of human milk banking, including who donates milk, how milk is pasteurized, stored, and distributed, and who uses donor human milk. And, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge directly to your practice, understanding when and how donor human milk can be a key piece of the puzzle for a family you serve, as well as how to counsel them on its safety and use. Last but not least, you will have the background you need to understand current controversies about donor human milk: informal milk sharing and Internet milk sharing/selling, for-profit milk banks, the effect of pasteurization on human milk, the costs and benefits of using pasteurized donor human milk, and the ongoing debate about growth rates for premature babies fed pasteurized donor human milk.

Instructor Rebecca Mannel, MPH, IBCLC, FILCA, serves as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank. Mannel teaches in a conversational, engaging style, sharing the most current science on donor human milk in a clear, understandable way. Her course includes the stories of families whose lives have been changed by the gift of donor human milk, making this course memorable, rich, and real.

This Course Awards:

• 2 Nursing Contact Hours
• 2 L-CERPs
• 2 CMEs