China established its first breast milk bank

Mainland China, for the first time establishing a breast milk bank, is facing difficulties in calling for donors and raising milk reserves.

Breast milk bank is run by Guangzhou Women's and Children's Health Center in Guangdong province, China was officially established in May after 2 months of testing.

There were 109 mothers registered to donate their milk to feed sick babies who are receiving medical care, premature babies and malnutrition.

Mr. Liu Xihong, co-founder of the breast milk bank, said: 'Breastmilk is not only good for sick children but also a medical treatment or first aid for some cases.'

Like 10-month-old Jiang, suffering from intestinal leakage, malnutrition, weighs only 5.5kg when hospitalized. Thanks to the breast milk bank, the baby increased by 1.65kg in 2 weeks. Doctors said breast milk saved her life.

The world's first human milk bank was established in Vienna, Austria) in 1909. After more than a century, there have been about 200 breast milk banks in Europe and 12 breast milk banks in North America.

Mr. Liu Xihong went to the United States to learn how to set up a breast milk bank and then return to open in Guangzhou. Although it is clear that the effectiveness and need for breast milk in China is not easy to establish a breast milk bank and find a donor of breast milk.

The survey asked 300 mothers, only 25% agreed to donate their leftover milk. Only 18% agreed to let their children eat donated milk.