An article in the San Antonio Express News, written by Richard Marini, highlights the taboo nature of breastfeeding in American culture. While some women choose not to breastfeed their infants, others are simply unable to due to a variety of medical reasons. Numerous studies have proven that a mother's milk is the best nutrient for babies, and especially so for premature new-borns. That being said, Marini informs that "fewer than half of mothers to premature infants are able to supply sufficient milk for their babies" (Marini, 2011). With a demand for breast milk high and the supply low, many milk banks have popped up locally. Austin's Mother's Milk Bank supplies milk to 57 hospitals in 10 states and screens milk for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. Milk is then pasteurized to kill any bacteria or viruses, and recipients are charged $4.20 an ounce. Some mothers in need of breast milk choose to buy milk from women independently and at lower costs, but here the risks are higher. If a child gets sick from the milk both purchaser and supplier are put in dangerous legal positions. Breast milk banks appear to be a valuable resource to both recipient and provider.
It's so hard to read something like this and realize the prevalence in the U.S. I have friends that run a maternity center in Haiti and struggle when teaching breastfeeding education and helping the mothers understand its importance. Breastfeeding is difficult in Haiti because of cultural/spiritual beliefs that say it is actually harmful to the baby as well as lack of proper nutrition and clean water that allow the mothers to produce enough milk. That is almost expected in a third world country...but the US? We have a long way to go in the care of our mothers and children!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insight!
Tara M.