The creation of a Milk Bank is urgent in Yucatán

MÉRIDA, Yucatan, May 19, 2023. In the framework of World Human Milk Donation Day, breastfeeding collectives remind that in Yucatan there is no Milk Bank, which is necessary especially in cases of premature babies, or those who lost their mother among other situations.

Cecilia Hernández, a traditional midwife and lactation consultant, explains that in spite of the efforts that have been made, it has not been possible to make it happen even though it is very necessary.

“For years we have been trying to create a breast milk bank in the state, but it has not been achieved, and this is necessary for premature babies because it is the best element they can receive at birth, just as there is a blood bank there should be a milk bank, there are many situations in which it can be used”.

She pointed out that mother-to-mother donation is not recommended or encouraged because of the risks it implies for the health of the newborn.

“It is necessary to do many health studies and profiles before giving milk to a baby, we must be sure that the donor is completely healthy and that is the work of a breast milk bank.”

In this regard, representatives of the Ministry of Health of Yucatan, commented that the closest milk bank is in Playa del Carmen, and although there are many efforts in favor of breastfeeding, the truth is that it has not been possible to concretize a milk bank, but that should be the step to follow on this issue.

They pointed out that there are very few milk banks in the country and they are generally managed by very large second or third level hospitals.

TYT Newsroom