Perron Rotary Express Milk Bank – Information for Parents

Is it ok for my baby to have someone else's milk?

The Perron Rotary Express Milk (PREM) Bank provides breast milk to babies from donor mothers. This milk is collected, pasteurised and then frozen into small amounts ready for babies in need. Pasteurisation is a process where milk is heated to a temperature that kills bacteria and viruses, but it keeps many of the beneficial elements. A microbiological sample is taken before and after the milk is pasteurised to ensure it is safe.

How safe is the milk that my baby will have?

Before we can accept donated milk to the PREM Bank, a number of questions are asked of donor mothers relating to general health and lifestyle.

All donors are thoroughly screened. This screening is similar to that of blood donors, including verbal and written questionnaires and blood testing. The blood test ensures that the donated milk is free from viruses and infections that can be transmitted through to the breast milk.

These include:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and 2 is responsible for AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is the name given to a collection of diseases that develop because the body's immune system breaks down.
• Hepatitis B and C are viruses that cause inflammation and infection of the liver.
• Syphilis, a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
• HTLV 1 and 2, leukaemia virus types that are most common in Southern Japan, the Caribbean, parts of Africa, South America and South Eastern USA. Many people who carry these viruses have no symptoms although they will be infectious.

The PREM Bank is unable to accept donor milk of mothers who:

• Smoke or drink more than two glasses of alcohol per day.
• Drink more than three cups of caffeine containing drinks per day.
• Take herbal medications.

Is donor milk suitable for my baby?

A mother’s own milk is the best food for babies. Medical research has demonstrated that providing very preterm babies with pasteurised donor human milk rather than artificial formula reduces the risk of some complications associated with feeding. Although artificial formula is processed and formulated to be nutritionally similar to human milk, it contains none of the immuno-protective properties found in breast milk.

Using pasteurised donor human milk from healthy screened donor mothers is the preferred alternative to formula when feeding preterm babies (if the mother’s own milk is not available).

The promotion of expressing and/or breastfeeding is actively encouraged whilst your baby is provided with donor human milk.

Is the process confidential?

The PREM Bank is required by law to ensure confidentiality of our donor mothers’ and recipient babies. All personal information obtained is kept in strict confidence. We may ask if you would like to participate in research or community awareness of the PREM Bank, but we will always contact you first.

Further information

The PREM Bank has been established to provide the safest delivery of breast milk to babies in need.

Online preliminary screening and donor information is available at:
https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Neonatology/The-Perron-Rotary-Express-Milk-Bank

Should you have any questions please contact:

Phone: (08) 6458 1207

Mobile: 0466 466 854

Email: prembank@health.wa.gov.au

Disclaimer This publication is for general education and information purposes. Contact a qualified healthcare professional for any medical advice needed. © State of Western Australia, Child and Adolescent Health Service Produced by: Neonatology Reference: 1280 Last reviewed: 2024

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