A simplified system of human milk banking

A simplified system of human milk banking, from milk supplied from home or hospital, has been evaluated for use in a neonatal intensive care unit. Twenty milk samples were obtained at a single expression using a standard hand pump and divided into three parts. Analyses were performed on the raw milk and on samples stored at -20 degrees C for 1 week and 1 month. No pathogens were isolated from any samples and the counts of Staphylococcus albus in the raw milk remained unchanged after storage. 19% of the cells in the original milk survived freezing and remained viable. There was a loss of bacteriostatic activity after storage for one month but significantly less than that caused by pasteurization. No change in levels of IgA, IgM, IgF, lactoferrin, lysozyme, C3 and C4 was apparent and concentrations of amino acids and fatty acids also remained unchanged after storage. We conclude that milk can be safely and conveniently stored by this method without loss or damage to the components of raw breast milk important for preterm and sick infants.