The powerful impact of philanthropy on newborn care

In the first days of a newborn’s life, even the smallest act of generosity can change everything. At PeaceHealth St. Joseph, donor support makes it possible for the Special Care Nursery and Postpartum Unit to provide human donor milk to newborns who need immediate nourishment. Shelf stable donor breast milk is pasteurized human milk that can be safely stored and used when a parent’s own milk is not yet available.

Doctors rely on donor milk because it gives fragile newborns, including premature infants born as early as 32 weeks, a safer and healthier start. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization both recommend donor milk as the next best option when a mother’s milk is unavailable, emphasizing its vital role in infant health.

For decades, donor generosity has helped PeaceHealth support families through their most stressful early moments. Since December 2021, donor milk has provided lifesaving nourishment to about 16 infants each month at PeaceHealth St. Joseph. Every gift helps stabilize a newborn’s health, ease parents’ fears and gives babies a stronger start in life.

This impact is felt every day by our caregivers. 

“Every ounce of donor milk represents the compassion of our community. It gives our tiniest patients a safer start and brings comfort to families when they need it most,” says Kimberly Carriker, Director of Nursing, Women and Children’s Services at PeaceHealth St. Joseph.

One of the most important reasons donor milk is recommended is because it reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous intestinal disease and a leading cause of death among preterm infants. Donor milk also strengthens gut and immune health, protecting vulnerable babies from serious infections during their earliest days.

When necrotizing enterocolitis occurs, the impact can be devastating. A single case can lead to long term medical needs, and prevention can help families save up to $400,000 in related care costs. Protecting infants from this disease is both lifesaving and a meaningful reduction of long-term emotional and financial strain for families.

Despite its proven medical benefits, donor milk is not fully covered by insurance, especially outside of the NICU. Without philanthropic support, this care would not be available. Thanks to the Greatest Need Fund, community generosity allows PeaceHealth St. Joseph to source, process, store and provide donor milk safely and reliably. These gifts ensure that the hospital can sustain its donor milk program and support approximately 31 cases of donor milk each year, with hopes of reaching nearly 40 families annually.

Your generosity strengthens care close to home, improves outcomes for newborns and brings peace to families during one of the most overwhelming moments of their lives. It reflects a shared commitment toward making our communities healthy. We are profoundly grateful for the donors whose compassion saves lives and gives newborns the best possible start.

Because when our community shows up, our newborns thrive.