Clinical impact of opening a human milk bank in a neonatal unit

Abstract Introduction The benefits of donor human milk compared with artificial formulas have been well demonstrated; nevertheless the impact on the clinical practice of opening a human milk bank within a neonatal unit has not yet been studied. The main aim of this study was to analyse the impact on the clinical practice of opening a human milk bank in a neonatal unit to provide donor human milk for preterm infants ≤32 weeks of gestational age. Methods A before and after study of the opening of a human milk bank was performed. Preterm infants ≤32 weeks of gestational age born in the Hospital 12 de Octubre from July to December 2005 and January to June 2008 (firsts 6 months after opening the human milk bank) were included. Results After opening the human milk bank, enteral feedings began 31 h earlier ( p p p  = 0.002). Enteral feedings were never started LM with artificial formula, the exposure to formula in the first 15 days of life was reduced from 50% to 16.6%, and its consumption during the first 28 days of life was significantly reduced. There was a higher consumption of own mother's milk during the hospital stay, and a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge (54% vs 40%). Conclusions The availability of donor human milk has led to quicker progression with enteral feedings and earlier withdrawal of parenteral nutrition. It has reduced the exposure to artificial formulas, and has also increased the intake of own mother's milk during the hospital stay and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge.