More premature and medically vulnerable babies across New South Wales will have access to donated pasteurised human milk following an expansion of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood program.
An additional 28 public hospitals are now eligible to order pasteurised donor human milk from Lifeblood, bringing the total number of eligible public hospitals in NSW to 37.
The program, which has been facilitated by Lifeblood since 2018, provides pasteurised donor human milk as an additional feeding option for eligible babies when their mother’s own milk is unavailable or her supply has not yet been established.
A mother’s own milk remains the preferred feeding option. However, some babies born prematurely may require additional milk during the early stages of their hospital care.
Under the expanded program, participating hospitals can order donated pasteurised human milk on demand for eligible babies born before 32 weeks, babies weighing less than 1,500 grams, or newborns considered at high risk of certain medical conditions.
The expansion extends access beyond Neonatal Intensive Care Units to Special Care Units, including hospitals in regional centres such as Dubbo, Gosford, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga and Lismore.
Special Care Units provide specialised care for babies who need additional support but do not require the intensive monitoring and treatment available in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Previously, donated pasteurised human milk was available to eligible babies receiving care in NICUs. The expansion means some babies who continue their hospital journey in Special Care Units can now access the service where clinically appropriate.
Since the program began in 2018, almost 3,000 mothers have donated around 24,000 litres of breast milk nationally. More than 15,000 litres have been supplied to hospitals across NSW.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the expansion would give more vulnerable newborns access to donated human milk and improve availability for families in regional communities.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen said the service had previously focused primarily on NICUs, while many premature babies also spend part of their hospital stay in Special Care Units.
Program participant Hannah Top said access to donor breast milk had been important for her daughters during their early days and that she was proud to donate her milk so other families could have the opportunity to access the program.
The expansion is intended to provide participating hospitals with greater access to donor milk for eligible babies while they receive specialist care, including in regional parts of NSW.
Information about donated human milk and the Lifeblood program is available through the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
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