The Yolo County Breastfeeding Coalition is gearing up for its 13th Annual Human Milk Drive, an event designed to bolster the health of vulnerable infants by securing human milk donations. The drive will take place on December 16 at the Hansen Family Health Center located at 215 West Beamer Street in Woodland from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., as mentioned in a recent announcement by the Yolo County.
Emphasizing community effort, this year's milk drive is a collaborative initiative of the Yolo County Breastfeeding Coalition alongside local hospitals, health organizations, and community stakeholders all working toward one goal: ensuring access to breast milk for every infant., "We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Yolo County community over the years," said Lizeth Betancourt, IBCLC and Yolo County Breastfeeding Coordinator, according to the Yolo County announcement. "This event is crucial in providing vulnerable infants with the best start in life, and we're excited to celebrate our 13th year of collecting donated milk."
Recognized as the benchmark for infant nutrition, breastfeeding delivers vital antibodies and a wide range of health benefits for babies. Yolo County's milk drive is not just a collection effort; it also increases public awareness about the necessity for donated breast milk and breastfeeding's role in infant health. As little as a quarter ounce of donated milk can make a difference in a premature baby's development, a fact highlighted by the coalition.
To contribute, lactating mothers are encouraged to donate their milk to aid infants in need. Pre-screening for donation can be done online at the Mothers' Milk Bank website. Additionally, spreading the word to family, friends, and community about the event helps to expand its impact. The coalition is also seeking volunteers to help with the collection and education about human milk donation. For parents or health care providers looking to request milk, resources are available at www.camilkbank.org/request-milk, according to the Yolo County website.
