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Mother’s milk usage and ordering
The Public Mothers’ Milk Bank provides pasteurized mothers’ milk for very premature infants requiring hospital care in the following hospitals: Hôpital de Fleurimont (CHUS), Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, McGill University Health Centre (Glen site), Centre mère-enfant at the CHUL, CHU mère-enfant Sainte-Justine and the Jewish General Hospital.
In the absence of breast milk, banked milk is especially indicated for premature babies born at 32 weeks or less, as it is associated with a reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis compared to infant formulas.
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Essential nutrients and bioactive factors for premature babies
Although some compounds in breast milk are altered by the pasteurization process, banked milk remains a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive factors that are essential for premature babies. Components such as lactoferrin, IgA, and lipase play a key role in protecting against infections, digesting lipids, and developing the immune system. While it has not been proven that these elements directly protect premature babies against necrotizing enterocolitis, it is nevertheless interesting to note that, unlike infant formulas where they are absent, their concentrations remain relatively high in human milk, even after pasteurization.
Usage of mother’s milk
The contents of a bottle of mother’s milk may be intended for several babies. The hospital is responsible for keeping the data regarding the administration of mothers’ milk in the recipients’ file.
Mothers’ milk should not be used if the premature infant suffers from galactosemia, congenital lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose transporter deficiency, or some glycogen storage diseases.
Order a mother’s milk product
To order, call the Hospital Customer Service or fax the completed form (in French only). Requests are processed Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and deliveries are made only on weekdays, except on holidays.
If necessary, you can reach our Hospital Customer Service staff at any time.
- Phone: 1 888 666-4362, ext. 6909
- Fax: 514 904-2522 ou 1 866 811-9465 (toll-free)
The mothers’ milk is delivered frozen in a pack containing dry ice, which maintains the storage temperature conditions. It must remain frozen until it is used.
The final product is distributed in sterile polypropylene bottles that are phthalate-free and bisphenol A-free.