South Shore announces donor breast milk program for NICU babies

South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore has just launched a donor breast milk program to support NICU babies born under 34 weeks, Northwell officials announced today, calling breast milk “liquid gold” for babies.

The milk provides mothers who wish to breastfeed but struggle with milk production a bridge, so their baby can still receive human milk instead of formula.

“Donor breast milk offers invaluable support for preterm infants, particularly when a mother’s milk is delayed or limited,” said Wendi Andria of South Shore. “Our donor breast milk program ensures that every infant in the NICU has access to these essential benefits, giving parents peace of mind as they navigate the challenges of early life in the NICU.”

The initiative is part of a broader Northwell Health effort that includes other birthing hospitals in the health system where donor milk is available, officials said.

“Compared to formula, which is often cow-based and more difficult to digest, human milk is considered ‘liquid gold’ to infants,” the announcement reads.

South Shore has partnered with the New York Milk Bank in Valhalla, which sources donor milk from “thoroughly screened donors, pasteurizing and pooling it from multiple sources to ensure safety.”

The milk arrives frozen via overnight FedEx. From there, the milk is thawed and given to the baby.

Pictured above

For new parents Stephanie and Kyle Devine, the birth of their son on Sept. 18 came 7.5 weeks early. Due to pre-eclampsia, their son was immediately placed in the NICU, weighing just 3 pounds, 2 ounces.

The couple was then introduced to the new donor milk program.

“Having our baby in the NICU was one of the most overwhelming experiences, especially as a new mom,” Stephanie said. “I wasn’t producing milk right away, and it felt incredibly reassuring to know he was getting all the nutrients he needed from another mother’s milk.

“It was a bit of a no-brainer—it made so much sense.”