300,000 boost for Scotland's donor milk bank

More than 2,100 premature and sick babies will benefit from a £300,000 boost for Scotland's donor milk bank.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell announced the three-year funding package which will also give mothers struggling with breast feeding in the early stages access to the donor breast milk.

The cash will allow more than 700 of the most vulnerable babies each year to be fed breast milk for longer to cut health risks associated with being ill and premature.

Ms Campbell made the annoucement as the Glasgow-based bank, which provides a Scotland-wide service, celebrated its 40th anniversary.

She said: "This funding will benefit so many sick and premature babies, allowing them to not only get better, but to thrive, and it's wonderful to meet some of the staff who work hard to support new mothers and the women who have selflessly donated their milk and their time to help these children.''

Heather Lawrence has been donating to the milk bank for six months, starting when her baby was three months old.

She said: "Being a milk donor makes me feel good, every morning when I am expressing I know that milk will help more than one baby - that's a great feeling.

"I'm not doing it for me, I feel it's really worthwhile and I tell my baby, Eleanor, where the milk is going and the good it's doing.''

Kevin Hill, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's director of Women and Children's Services, welcomed the funding announcement.

He said: "This will ensure that safe screened donor human milk will be available to support the most vulnerable infants across Scotland.

"The service has seen increasing demand for donor human milk since it became a Scotland-wide service in June 2013 and this further funding will support the ongoing and increasing demand.

"More babies will be able to access donor milk and for longer, ensuring they have the best possible start.''

Last year 204 donors helped 525 babies