It is incredible that in Spain there is a single breast milk bank. It is called Fundació Banc de Sang i Teixits de les Illes Balears and is obviously located in the Balearic Islands.
It will be two years since we denounced the lack of milk banks in the country because it really is a necessary option for those babies whose mothers for whatever reason cannot breastfeed them.
In case of doubts about its importance, let's review the figures. The bank reported that last year About twenty premature babies benefited from the 214 liters of milk donated by 45 mothers.
They also reported that the number of female donors increased compared to last year, which was 32, and that the amount of donated milk doubled.
Many, many times, we have talked about the advantages of breast milk for all babies and especially for premature babies. It is a pity that these babies cannot feed directly from their mother's breast since it is shown that contact with their skin gives them heat and helps them to recover, but still, even if it comes from another mother, breast milk is still the best ocpion.
Any mother in good health who is breastfeeding her child can donate her milk provided it has been less than six months since she gave birth. They are provided with a breast pump and containers that the mother fills and then pick them up. They process the milk, freeze it and then give it to premature babies or to those who have undergone surgery whose mothers cannot feed them.
The system really seems simple, so I do not understand that new banks do not open. With the lack they would do and the children who would benefit. Also, I'm sure there would be many mothers who would donate their milk in an altruistic way.
