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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Establishment of Hong Kong's first breast milk bank – Key roles of midwives
1
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A23
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. The feeding of low birth weight and preterm infants with mothers’ own milk is the first choice. When this isn’t available, the use of pasteurized donor human milk from an established milk bank should be the first alternative. Here describes the establishment of the first-ever breast milk bank in Hong Kong with midwives’ active participation.
DISCUSSION:
With a year of service planning and commissioning, the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank (HKBMB) commenced service in January 2025. Midwife leaders participated actively in planning the operational model of the HKBMB and led the promotion of the breastmilk donation program. The multidisciplinary team started with formulating the local guideline, which outlines the rigorous standards, protocols, and procedures that will govern the HKBMB’s operations and ensure the highest levels of safety, quality, and ethical practices, then followed with constructing the operational workflows in midwife-led lactation clinics, HKBMB and NICUs. The breastmilk donation program is a novel concept in the territory. Midwives play a crucial role in the promotion. The promotional strategy emphasized staff training and the development of various online and offline resources to support educational and promotional efforts. Meanwhile, midwives advocate and participate in donor recruitment and education in eight public birthing hospitals.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The HKBMB received strong support from the community. As of Jun 2025, more than 240 mothers have successfully registered as donors, donating a total of over 950 litres of breastmilk, benefiting 120 clinically needy infants. This achievement marks a significant milestone in providing the best care for the most vulnerable lives.
KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives have been devoted to support and empower mothers to breastfeed. Their unwavering commitment has ensured the smooth operation of HKBMB and this protected the most vulnerable lives by sharing the gift of life. Breastfeeding - milk donation
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. The feeding of low birth weight and preterm infants with mothers’ own milk is the first choice. When this isn’t available, the use of pasteurized donor human milk from an established milk bank should be the first alternative. Here describes the establishment of the first-ever breast milk bank in Hong Kong with midwives’ active participation.
DISCUSSION:
With a year of service planning and commissioning, the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank (HKBMB) commenced service in January 2025. Midwife leaders participated actively in planning the operational model of the HKBMB and led the promotion of the breastmilk donation program. The multidisciplinary team started with formulating the local guideline, which outlines the rigorous standards, protocols, and procedures that will govern the HKBMB’s operations and ensure the highest levels of safety, quality, and ethical practices, then followed with constructing the operational workflows in midwife-led lactation clinics, HKBMB and NICUs. The breastmilk donation program is a novel concept in the territory. Midwives play a crucial role in the promotion. The promotional strategy emphasized staff training and the development of various online and offline resources to support educational and promotional efforts. Meanwhile, midwives advocate and participate in donor recruitment and education in eight public birthing hospitals.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The HKBMB received strong support from the community. As of Jun 2025, more than 240 mothers have successfully registered as donors, donating a total of over 950 litres of breastmilk, benefiting 120 clinically needy infants. This achievement marks a significant milestone in providing the best care for the most vulnerable lives.
KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives have been devoted to support and empower mothers to breastfeed. Their unwavering commitment has ensured the smooth operation of HKBMB and this protected the most vulnerable lives by sharing the gift of life. Breastfeeding - milk donation
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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