Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center has joined Northwest Mothers Milk Bank to open the first human donor milk distribution site for families in Southwest Washington.
Previously, families leaving the hospital with infants with a medical need for donor milk had to wait for milk to be shipped overnight from Northwest Mothers Milk Bank or drive to its Tigard, Ore., location. Now, they can get it from the Legacy Salmon Creek Apothecary the same day they leave the hospital, eliminating additional shipping and gas costs.
Legacy Health supports breastfeeding both in the hospital and after families return home. For all infants, especially premature babies, a mother’s milk is always the first choice for feeding. But when mother’s milk is unavailable, pasteurized donor human milk is the next best option, according to a news release.
Families who want donor milk need a prescription from their health care provider. Those with a prescription can call ahead to ensure donor milk is available at 360-487-3700. Legacy Salmon Creek’s Apothecary is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
