Shropshire mum's mission to donate 100 litres of breast milk to region's only human milk bank
Emma Wilson said she wanted to help other families she saw struggling in hospital and also give back to the NHS
A woman from Shropshire's on a mission to donate one hundred litres of breast milk to the West Midlands' only human milk bank before her son's first birthday.
Emma Wilson's son, Bert, was born with oesophageal atresia, a birth defect which means food can't reach the stomach, and later contracted sepsis at just three weeks old.
While unwell, he wasn't able to drink his mum's breast milk and, during what was a difficult time for her and her family, Emma then decided to donate her extra breast milk to help other families in similar, stressful situations in hospital.
She said: "It's a real privilege to be able to help other mothers and tiny babies in similar circumstances to us and know that I've given something back to the NHS."
Emma's already donated over 90 litres to the human milk bank at Birmingham Women's Hospital and, with Bert about to turn one, she's determined to hit triple figures.
Donor breast milk helps neonatal babies in hospital in Birmingham and beyond, as well as supporting mothers while they are establishing their own milk supply, or if they are unable to provide their own milk due to geographical separation or maternal illness.
While Bert didn't need any donor milk himself, Emma described seeing mums who were struggling to express milk and babies who did need donations while she was in hospital with her son, which led her to want to help
"Bert was in intensive care for a long time and just being in that situation is incredibly stressful and can certainly affect your milk supply," she said.
"So, if you can donate, absolutely do it - I would thoroughly recommend it."
Donated breast milk can be a "lifeline"
The milk bank in Birmingham is always on the look out for new donors, with a constant need for breast milk supply.
Dr Gemma Holder explained how donors are tested and then, if they're able to donate, the milk is checked, pasteurised and then frozen until it's needed.
She said a quantity as much as 90 litres can help a whole host of tiny, premature babies, some of whom only need 75ml at their smallest size.
Everything from the physical benefits for babies to the mental health relief and support it can give mothers who are struggling or unable to breastfeed for whatever reason is vital.
"Donated breast milk can be a lifeline to these babies and their families," Dr Holder said.
"So, it's incredibly important and if anyone's even just thought about it, pick up the phone and ring the milk bank."