South Shore University Hospital (SSUH) has launched a donor breast milk program to support NICU babies born under 34 weeks. The milk provides mothers who wish to breastfeed but struggle with milk production a “bridge” so their baby can still receive human milk instead of formula.

The initiative is part of a broader Northwell Health effort that includes other birthing hospitals in the health system where donor milk is available.

“Donor breast milk offers invaluable support for preterm infants, particularly when a mother’s milk is delayed or limited,” says Wendi Andria, MSN, RNC-OB, IBCLC, clinical program manager, lactation services at SSUH. “Our donor breast milk program ensures that every infant in the NICU has access to these essential benefits, giving parents peace of mind as they navigate the challenges of early life in the NICU.”

Compared to formula, which is often cow-based and more difficult to digest, human milk is considered a “liquid gold” to infants. Studies show that preterm infants fed with human milk have a decreased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal disease seen in preterm babies.  

For new parents Stephanie and Kyle Devine, the birth of their son on Sept. 18 came as an unexpected shock. Born 7.5 weeks early due to Stephanie’s severe pre-eclampsia, their son was immediately placed in the NICU, weighing just 3 lbs, 2 oz. Amid the unexpected medical challenges, the NICU team introduced Stephanie and Kyle to the donor milk program.

“Having our baby in the NICU was one of the most overwhelming experiences, especially as a new mom,” says Stephanie. “I wasn’t producing milk right away, and it felt incredibly reassuring to know he was getting all the nutrients he needed from another mother’s milk. It was a bit of a no-brainer—it made so much sense.”

SSUH partners with the New York Milk Bank in Valhalla, which sources donor milk from thoroughly screened donors, pasteurizing and pooling it from multiple sources to ensure safety. The milk arrives frozen via overnight FedEx, ready to be thawed and given to the baby.

“The launch of our donor breast milk program underscores SSUH’s commitment to providing the highest level of care for our community’s vulnerable newborns,” says Irene Macyk, Ph.D., RN, president, South Shore University Hospital. “We’re proud to offer this service to our community and to give every child in our NICU the best possible start.”

Earlier this year, SSUH announced the completion of its $71 million, 45,560-square-foot, two-story Women and Children’s Center. The hospital-within-a-hospital includes a new labor and delivery suite, private post-partum suites, an all-private NICU, a post-anesthesia recovery unit (PACU), two new operating rooms, and obstetrical-triage beds.

For more information on SSUH’s Women and Children’s Center and other OBGYN offerings at the hospital visit: https://ssuh.northwell.edu/women-and-childrens-center.