Kidderminster mum helps sick babies by donating her own milk from home

Birmingham Women’s Hospital has been home to a Human Milk Bank for more than 70 years. 

Last year, the hospital received 7,870 litres of milk, donated by 138 different donors, that has helped support babies on its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, along with others across the country. 

Donor Kayleigh Norton from Foley Park, aged 28, who is mum of baby Rowan and five-year-old Logan, said: “It was easy from home, all you need is a clear blood test, no tattoos within the last 12 months, no drinking or smoking and you’re all set to donate. It’s a really rewarding thing to do and I’m quite proud. Being able to donate from home made it much easier with my two young boys.

“I thought it would be a nice idea to donate. I already had an extra supply after Rowan was born. It was an easy process – the hospital would send bottles through the post and delivery drivers would drive to me to collect them.

“Last month I donated 18 litres, so pretty much nine litres every fortnight to help babies across the UK’s Neonatal units and I still had enough for my little ones.” 

Kayleigh's milk donations

‘Donate from Home’ bundles aim to make donations more convenient. 

Dr Gemma Holder, consultant neonatologist and women’s hospital milk bank lead, said: “Donations are crucial and we’re so grateful to those who make them. They play a huge part in providing the necessary care for our unwell babies in our neonatal unit. As well as having nutritional benefits for babies, donor milk can positively impact the wellbeing of mums during what can be an incredibly stressful time when their babies are being cared for in hospital.”

Those interested in becoming a donor can contact the Women’s Hospital’s expert team either by calling 0121 335 8245 or emailing bwc.milk.bank@nhs.net.