For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Aspirus is a milk depot center for The Mother’s Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, a certified breast milk bank located near Chicago.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding promotes better health for mothers and children alike. Increasing breastfeeding to near-universal levels could save more than 800,000 lives every year, the majority being children under six months.

The WHO says breastfeeding decreases the risk of mothers developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2-diabetes, and heart disease. It is estimated that increased breastfeeding could avert 20,000 maternal deaths each year due to breast cancer.

“Women who are breastfeeding may have an overabundance of milk and, for a variety of reasons, might not use all of their milk,” said Chris Hanke, RN, Aspirus women’s health nurse navigator. “Programs such as ours are a way to capture excess breast milk for sick and premature babies who could benefit from the immunological properties of breast milk.”

 Breast milk may be donated in several communities, including two locations in Wisconsin Rapids.

Potential donors at Aspirus are screened for eligibility using a variety of health history questions and lifestyle questions. Donors are given lab tests to screen for any potential infections. The mother may begin donating milk once she clears the screening process.

Mothers who are interested in becoming breast milk donors may contact Aspirus Women’s Health by calling 715-847-0454 or 888-236-2483, or email[email protected].