NSW Expands Donated Human Milk Program to 28 Additional Public Hospitals

Access to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's pasteurised donor human milk program has expanded to 28 additional public hospitals across New South Wales, bringing the total number of eligible public facilities in the state to 37.

The expansion enables Special Care Units, including those in regional locations such as Dubbo, Gosford, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, and Lismore, to access the service. Previously, the donated milk was limited to babies receiving care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), which provide specialized treatment for critically ill and extremely premature newborns. Special Care Units provide care for infants who need additional support but do not require intensive monitoring.

Under the program, participating hospitals can order the pasteurised milk on demand. It is intended for eligible infants born before 32 weeks, weighing under 1,500 grams, or identified as being at high risk for certain medical conditions. While maternal breast milk remains the preferred feeding option, donor milk serves as an alternative when a mother's own milk supply is not yet established or is unavailable.

According to NSW Health, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has collected and supplied pasteurised donor human milk since 2018. Over that period, nearly 3,000 mothers across Australia have donated approximately 24,000 litres of breast milk, with more than 15,000 litres distributed to hospitals in New South Wales.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park stated that the expansion will provide nutritional support for vulnerable infants and extend access to regional communities. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen noted that the rollout to Special Care Units ensures broader coverage for premature infants who require care outside of NICUs.

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