At dawn in Xi'an this March, a heartwarming scene unfolded at the Northwest Women and Children’s Hospital. Donor mother He Xiaojing, already a mom of two, adjusted her electric breast pump and inscribed a touching note on a donation card: "Wishing you strength until you’re back in your parents’ arms." Her gesture, full of care and compassion, is one of many that fuel the hospital's human milk bank.
The donated milk undergoes rigorous screening with bacteriological and viral tests, followed by Holder pasteurization, and is then stored at -20°C. These precisely handled parcels, often seen as "life contracts," are later sent to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) where fragile preterm infants get a fighting chance.
This inspiring story is powered by the determination of countless mothers across Xi'an. Whether it’s white-collar workers squeezing in a donation during lunch or postpartum moms braving chilly mornings on buses and metros, every drop is a testament to community spirit. One mother traveled 24 kilometers before dawn just to deliver fresh milk – talk about dedication! 🚀
Since its launch in April 2022, the milk bank has supported 703 preterm babies with nearly 470,000 milliliters of donated milk from 490 generous donors. With NICU admissions surging this spring, an urgent online appeal sparked a massive response, as views soared into the thousands. Social media has become a vital tool, with donors forming support groups to coordinate deliveries to around 27 hospitals nationwide.
One donor shared, "It’s the only thing I can do for these little fighters," underlining the heartfelt connection between donor and recipient. Experts are now advocating for a standardized, blood-bank-like system for donor milk, ensuring every precious infant receives the nourishment they need. In a world where technology and community connect in powerful ways, these small acts of kindness are making a monumental difference.
Reference(s):
Donor Mothers Supply Lifesaving Breast Milk to Premature Infants in Xi’an
bjnews.com.cn
