“Where it is not possible for the biological mother to breast feed, the first alternative, if available, should be the use of human milk from other sources. Human milk banks should be made available in appropriate situations.”
-WHO and UNICEF, 1980
Last week I attended a Human Milk Banking Association of North America Conference in Boston. I've been discussing milk banking with colleagues and mentors for a while now, but it wasn't until this conference that I really got on the band wagon. My husband picked me up last Tuesday at BWI and when I got into the car I sheepishly said to him "I think I'm going to start a milk bank." He knew this had been in the air in the Northern Virginia area for awhile now. Bless his heart, he just gave me his 'Why am I not surprised?' smile and joined me on board Project Milk Bank. I'm full of ideas that bring us no revenue, I should clarify with "cost us money", but Marcus just continues to back me up. I guess I was always meant to be the money giver and he the money maker in this relationship.
There's a key person to this story, her name is Margaret. She's the fuel behind launching this rocket titled
Project Milk Bank. Have you ever worked for NASA? Me neither, but I do know that an immense about of time, effort, and man power is behind each launch. And this launch, for better or for worse, will be no different.
I've decided to share this journey via
Boob for Thought. Donor human milk does come from boobs after all. I hope to share the struggles and successes with any readers interested, as well as network with anyone who is interested in joining Project Milk Bank! So here, my friends, is where this story begins...
Key Documents for Project Milk Bank:
