Donating breast milk at the Children's Hospital
The University Children's Hospital (HUDERF) welcomed the "La Première Radio" team (RTBF) for an exclusive look inside its Milk Bank. This report highlighted the essential role of this unit, which is vital for hospitalized newborns
Breast milk banks serve a unique purpose: providing tailored and sometimes life-saving nutrition to premature or ill newborns while supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journey. Often referred to as "liquid gold," breast milk is not just nourishment but a true therapeutic resource.
La banque de lait à l'Hôpital des Enfants (Bruxelles)
How does the huderf milk bank work?
created in 1989, the huderf milk bank is one of four milk banks in Belgium. it manages two types of milk:
- breast milk expressed by mothers of hospitalized babies, either for their own child or for others.
- milk donations from breastfeeding mothers outside the hospital, intended for premature or ill newborns.
every drop collected is processed according to strict protocols: bacteriological analysis, pasteurization if necessary, and storage before use.
Who can donate milk and how?
Conditions to become a donor:
- be in good general health.
- do not smoke.
- have surplus breast milk expressed before the first six months of your child’s life.
Practical steps:
- medical validation: a medical consultation and blood test are required to ensure eligibility.
- expressing milk: mothers express their milk at home while adhering to strict hygiene rules.
- transport and processing: the milk is collected by the bank, analyzed, and prepared for use in neonatal and intensive care units or other departments as prescribed by a doctor and with parental consent.
Why donate milk?
for many mothers, donating milk is a way to extend their breastfeeding journey while providing invaluable help to other babies. this altruistic act saves lives and gives the most vulnerable newborns a healthier start in life.
Interested in becoming a donor?
contact the huderf milk bank for more information about the process and conditions. a dedicated team will guide you through every step.
Contact the nutrition and metabolism team: +32 (0)2 477 31 93
Plus d'infos sur le don de lait