Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank opens breast milk drop off locations in Battle Creek, Portage

Greyson Steele, Battle Creek Enquirer
·2 min read
Staff of Bronson Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists join Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank representatives for a ceremony to signify their partnership and the opening of the new Milk Depot at 3238 Capital Ave. SW. Pictured, from left, are Lindsay Starks, Mothers’ Milk Bank supervisor; Jenny Ames, OB/GYN practice manager; Dr. Briana Brinkley, OB/GYN physician; Naomi Kellems, OB/GYN practice clinical supervisor; and Sarah Clark, clinical nutrition system manager.

Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank has two new drop off locations for lactating moms wishing to donate their breast milk to infants in need.

The two new depots are located at established medical practices: Bronson Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists at 3238 Capital Ave. SW in Battle Creek and Bronson Rambling Road Pediatrics at 2680 W. Centre Ave. in Portage.

“The need for breast milk is constant. We really appreciate the moms who have extra and are willing to share, which is why we want to make the process easier for them," Lindsay Stark, supervisor at Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank, said in a news release. "Having a depot in Battle Creek and one in Portage makes it more convenient for moms in these areas to donate their milk, plus it allows us to serve more babies in need."

Employees at each Bronson practice are trained to intake and process donated breast milk, which is stored in a freezer at the depot for up to 24 hours. A representative from Mothers’ Milk Bank will then pick up the donations for screening, analysis and pasteurization in the lab.

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Once processed, the milk is dispensed to hospital neonatal intensive care units and/or outpatient families throughout Michigan and across the United States.

Interested donors must first pass a health screening and have bloodwork completed. Once approved, donors have three options to get their milk to Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank; they can ship it directly, drop off at the milk bank or drop off at a milk depot.

All fees for bloodwork and shipping costs are covered by the milk bank. The goal is to continue to add more depot locations across the state, officials said.

If you are a healthy mother interested in donating your breast milk, visit bronsonhealth.com/milkbank or call (269) 341-6146 for more information.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank opens drop off location in Battle Creek