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SCMP Editorial

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to help ensure babies get a healthy start and even have better chances of survival. Starting and sticking with the routine can be a difficult journey for mothers even in the best of circumstances.
The challenges are often insurmountable when infants are premature or severely ill.
So, it was encouraging to learn that Hong Kong will launch its first breast milk bank by the first quarter of next year. The operation is being set up to collect between 600 and 850 litres each year, enough to help 450 to 600 premature babies annually.
The Hospital Authority has announced that the bank initially set up at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital will expand to offer donation services to nine public hospitals with neonatal intensive care units by the end of 2025.

In cases where babies face serious health problems, mothers often struggle to produce sufficient milk. Currently, carers have no choice but to use a special formula.
Breast milk from other mothers can be a lifesaver for struggling babies. Research has shown it can lower the risk of necrotising enterocolitis, the most common disease among premature infants.
It lowers the chances of late-onset septicaemia and chronic lung disease, and fosters neurological development. Mothers interested in donating will undergo strict screening of their health situation and medical history.
A door-to-door service will be provided to collect donations, which will be tested and pasteurised. Specialists will ensure donors have adequate breast milk for their own infants.
Hong Kong has made progress in creating better conditions for breastfeeding. In 2010, public hospitals stopped accepting free infant formula from manufacturers, boosting the rate of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding.

However, the city lags behind World Health Organization targets. While nearly 80 per cent of women start out breastfeeding, only 20 per cent were still doing so six months later when most returned to work.
Donation programmes have been successful in many other communities. A recent survey found that more than 70 per cent of pregnant women in Hong Kong hospitals voiced support for donating milk.
It is good to see a programme receive such a caring reaction.


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Hong Kong

Hong Kong breast milk bank is best for everyone

Hong Kong will launch its first breast milk bank by the first quarter of next year. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Hong Kong’s first breast milk bank will collect between 600 and 850 litres each year, enough to help 450 to 600 premature babies annually. Photo: SCMP Pictures

 A recent survey found that more than 70 per cent of pregnant women in Hong Kong hospitals voiced support for donating milk. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong to launch first breastmilk bank next year to aid 600 infants annually

Hong Kong’s first breastmilk bank will open next year. Photo: Edward Wong

Premature infants will be eligible to get breast milk from the bank. Photo: Felix Wong

How physically active mothers who breastfeed may protect their babies against obesity and diabetes

Breastfeeding after high-intensity workouts could improve your baby’s health and prevent obesity and diabetes in adult life. Above: Esther Bland, who still breastfeeds her daughter, walks every day in Hong Kong and exercises three to six times a week. Photo: Esther Bland

Trine Moholdt of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology says women who did high intensity interval training (HIIT) had higher levels of the hormone adiponectin in their breast milk after exercise. Photo: Trine Moholdt

Breast-fed children are less likely to be overweight or obese than babies fed on formula, the World Health Organization says. Photo: Shutterstock 

Elizabeth Montoyo breastfed her son Emilio until his second birthday. She ran a half marathon at about the same time. Photo: Elizabeth Montoyo 

Esther Bland, a pre- and postnatal fitness trainer, did not see a drop in her breast milk production after difficult workouts. Photo: Aqua Terra Performance

The women helping mothers tackle breastfeeding problems

Breastfeeding helps to prevent diarrhoea and pneumonia in newborns, two major causes of infant mortality, while mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Photo: Getty Images

An accredited social health activist explains the benefit of breastfeeding a baby to a mother near the Indian city of Agartala during World Breastfeeding Week. Photo: Getty Images

Members of the Facebook collective Breastfeeding Support for Indian Mothers. Photo: BSIM

Lactation consultant Shruti Kanchan with her twins. Photo: Shruti Kanchan

Opinion

First city collection facility set for launch next year will help babies facing serious health problems and mothers struggling to supply


First city collection facility set for launch next year will help babies facing serious health problems and mothers struggling to supply.


Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

World Health Organization (WHO)

Baby formula

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong breast milk bank is best for everyone

First city collection facility set for launch next year will help babies facing serious health problems and mothers struggling to supply