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Milk Depot:
Help for the
most fragile
Regional Medical Center (RMC)
in Anniston now serves as one of
only four human “milk depots” in
Alabama, among only 16 nationwide.
Breastfeeding mothers are able to
donate breast milk for premature
or medically fragile babies after a
simple free screening. The Mothers’
Milk Bank of Alabama (MMBA)
selected RMC as a satellite drop-off
location for breast milk donations,
which will be stored in a dedicated
deep-freezer unit. After pasteuriza-
tion at MMBA in Birmingham, the
milk is distributed across the state
for medically fragile infants.
“Many babies born prematurely
often have underdeveloped gastro-
intestinal tracts,” says Shelley
Birchfield, RN, OB Nurse Manager.
“It’s important to provide these
medically fragile or premature
infants the most easily digestible
milk, and human milk is much
easier to digest than milk-based
formulas derived from cows’ milk or
soybeans.”
RMC is pleased to have been
selected by MMBA and to serve as a
milk depot, giving medically fragile
babies a better option for healthy
nutrition.
MATERNITY CARE
We are Baby-Friendly
RMC Anniston was the first hospital in Alabama to receive designation
as a Baby-Friendly Hospital. This global initiative of the World
Health Organization and UNICEF recognizes hospitals and birth
centers that implement specific measures designed to promote
breastfeeding or safe formula feeding and encourage mother-baby
bonding.
At RMC, every baby is placed in skin-to-skin contact with mom
immediately after birth. Nurses encourage moms to attempt
breastfeeding during that time, if the mother has indicated
a willingness to try. This important time for skin-to-skin and
breastfeeding encourages bonding, activates the baby’s immune
system and helps regulate the baby’s temperature and glucose levels.
The staff promotes breastfeeding on demand, and babies “room-in”
with mom. RMC’s team of International Board Certified Lactation
Consultants visit with mom every day to offer advice and help with
breastfeeding issues.
If a mother chooses not to breastfeed, that’s OK too. RMC staff
respects personal preferences and encourages and educates moms
on ways to promote bonding and healthy feeding practices.
Regional Medical Center
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