Volunteers Go The Extra Mile During Covid

Thank you to our incredible volunteers who are helping to keep our Donor Milk Bank service running during Covid-19

While lockdown continues, so does the need for life-nurturing donor breast milk to be delivered to neonatal units across the country.

Each year, nearly 4,000 babies are born premature in Scotland. For babies who are born early, their organs and immune systems have had less time to mature, making them at greater risk of infection which can be devastating in their critical early days.

"I've got to be grateful for all the volunteers and the mothers who donate their milk, because without that Roxy wouldn't be have been able to feed. It has really was a blessing to have that for her."

KIM, PARENT

Often breast milk is the only thing premature babies can tolerate. However when new mothers have had a shortened pregnancy, it is likely that their breast milk hasn't had the chance to fully develop.

When a mother’s own breast milk is unavailable, donor milk is the next best option - particularly for a baby that is premature.

Our volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that donor breast milk is safely collected from donors, transported to the Donor Milk for pasteurisation, and delivered to neonatal units across the country. 

“I love driving, always have done. The whole premise of the Milk Bank service really struck a chord with me and it’s an absolute privilege to help get donor milk to vulnerable babies in the Neonatal Units who need it most.

“Every shift is different. Some days you’ll be a couple of miles down the road, other days all packed up to travel to the other end of the country. I’d volunteer to drive 12 hours there and 12 hours back if I knew the donor milk was going to help even one tiny baby who needed it.

"The Mums I collect donor milk from are absolute stars and their contribution is fantastic. Particularly during difficult times like these, it’s been amazing to help keep such a vital service running.”

Janette, volunteer driver

Approximately 250 litres of donor milk has already been collected since the start of lockdown, which will go a long way in helping the country's tiniest babies. 

We would like to share an extra special special thank you with each and every one of our incredible volunteers for continuing to go the extra mile during the Covid-19 crisis. Thank you!