The National Human Milk Bank

Breast milk can save the lives of premature babies and infants with special medical conditions whose mothers’ own milk is unavailable to them. For these infants breast milk is not only a source of optimal nutrition, but also a vital nourishment that improves their medical condition, provides essential components that support the immune system, aids brain development, and allows for optimal growth.

Newborn infants require active nourishment that includes, alongside nutritional components, a variety of ingredients produced by their mother – much like their connection through the umbilical cord. Breast milk is the only way for infants to receive a variety of living tissues from their mother, rich in bioactive components that cannot be obtained from any other source. These include immune components (antibodies), hormones, growth factors, white blood cells, stem cells, and more. These tissues nourish them, helping them grow stronger and develop.

Even after the processing stage, a mother's milk from the Human Milk Bank remains the recommended nutrition when the biological mother's milk is unavailable, as it still contains bioactive components.

The need for a human milk bank

When infants or premature babies are fed exclusively with breast milk, a unique environment of microorganisms, such as beneficial bacteria, is created in their tissues. This environment is part of their immune protection and helps prevent allergies. If the biological mother is unable to nourish her infant with her own milk, supervised portions of breast milk from the Human Milk Bank are the recommended feeding option endorsed by both health authorities worldwide, and the Israel Ministry of Health. Breast milk is defined as a "life-saving treatment" for infants in need.

The milk bank in Israel

The role of the Milk Bank is to allow premature infants and newborns to receive breast milk, which is the best nutritional source for them during their first few weeks of life. For premature infants, breast milk is a unique living tissue complementing what they miss, and the only source of nourishment they can receive without the risk of harm. In other words, not only is it the best nourishment for them and a significant and essential component of their survival in the present, but breast milk also provides a substantial factor for their future thriving. Therefore, in cases where the biological mother cannot nourish her infant with her own milk, breast milk donations are extremely vital for their lives and health.

There are approximately 800 human milk banks worldwide, about half of which are located in developed Western countries. Most of these milk banks are non-profit organizations, including the one in Israel. In all Western countries, medical care for premature infants includes the provision of donor breast milk from milk banks as needed, to ensure nourishment based on breast milk during the first few weeks of life.

The National Human Milk Bank was established by the Magen David Adom (Israel’s National Red Cross Society) in 2018 and has been providing milk since August 2020. Its aim is to ensure the provision of supervised breast milk for newborns and premature infants, as a standard state medical service, similar to Magen David Adom's national blood services. The National Human Milk Bank operates as a department within the Magen David Adom blood services.

The Milk Bank is responsible for collecting breast milk donations from volunteering mothers who undergo a preliminary screening questionnaire. It manages the processing and supply of milk to premature infants and newborns in hospitals throughout the country. All donations are collected, processed and inspected by a skilled staff using advanced equipment, ensuring that the milk units provided to the newborns and premature infants are of the highest quality and safety standards. Milk units are provided to every infant in need, regardless of race or religion.

Safety of using donations from the milk bank

The National Human Milk Bank, operated by MDA and supervised by the Ministry of Health, ensures the safety and quality of living tissue provided to newborns and premature infants. Following the strict work standards of the Blood Bank, the Milk Bank conducts donors' screening questionnaire and monitors their health throughout the donation period. Donated milk is not transferred to the recipients in its raw state; instead, it undergoes testing for foodborne bacteria which are dangerous for infants. The milk donations also go through a nutritional analysis as a preliminary step prior to initial processing. Then, units from several donors are blended to optimize both the nutritional profile and bioactive components. At this stage, the milk undergoes monitored pasteurization, ensuring it is pathogen-free and safe for consumption. Additionally, thanks to the nutritional profile of the raw milk,  the composition of the finished product is balanced.

The breast milk pasteurization process

Milk undergoes pasteurization to prevent the transmission of infections, which primarily occur during the pumping and storage process. When processing and pasteurization are performed correctly, the impact on milk components is minimal. Similar to other living tissues, breast milk cannot be produced in a laboratory or factory; therefore, it must be received as a donation from a nursing mother producing milk. Due to the risk of pathogens entering the milk from the environment or from maternal infections, the pasteurization process is required to eliminate them. Only when the donation process is managed by a supervised milk bank is it recommended as a safe and optimal source of nutrition, even for the smallest premature infants.