First human milk depot at Illinois Valley Community Hospital will help babies throughout Illinois and Wisconsin

PERU – Illinois Valley Community Hospital is proud to be the home of the Illinois Valley’s first human milk depot. Pasteurized donor human milk in an important nutritional therapy for many at-risk Neonatal Intensive Care Unit babies, as it provides numerous benefits in the absence of the mother’s milk. Donor milk can also be used when he mother has a low milk supply, is ill or on certain medications, or in case of adoption of surrogacy.
“The latest evidence and research proves that human milk plays an important role in a child’s development and overall health.  We are trying to build our breastfeeding network in the Illinois Valley and provide the best resources and support possible.  A local drop off is such a huge asset for our community. Illinois Valley Milk Depot is the closest depot within a minimum of an hour radius.”
IVCH Lactation Specialist Melissa Lenhausen BSN, RN, IBCLC
The milk depot at IVCH collects human milk donations from healthy, lactating women who are approved donors, through Mother’s Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes. The donations are then sent to the milk bank, where they are pasteurized to eliminate any viruses and bacteria. After pasteurization, the milk is tested again for safety and distribution.
“Establishing the Illinois Valley Milk Depot at IVCH is a great opportunity for women and families in this area to join in a network of breastmilk advocacy. Breastfeeding support and education takes the work of the entire community, and we are so excited that the Illinois Valley Community Hospital can be a part of that advocacy going forward.”
IVCH Nurse Midwife Brittany Lange, APN, CNM