'Liquid Gold': Bay Shore Hospital Launches Breastmilk Donor Program

BAY SHORE, NY — South Shore University Hospital is ensuring babies in the neonatal intensive care unit get the best nutrition possible with access to breastmilk, AKA "liquid gold."

The hospital launched a donor breast milk program to support NICU babies born under 34 weeks to provide a "bridge" for mothers struggling with milk production so their baby can still receive human milk instead of formula, the hospital announced Thursday.

"Donor breast milk offers invaluable support for preterm infants, particularly when a mother’s milk is delayed or limited," said Wendi Andria, clinical program manager of lactation services at SSUH. "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."

Compared to formula, which is often cow-based and more difficult to digest, human milk is considered "liquid gold" for infants. According to the hospital, studies show that preterm infants fed with human milk experience numerous benefits, including a decreased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal disease seen in preterm babies.

New parents Stephanie and Kyle Devine were happy to utilize the program when the birth of their son came as an unexpected shock when he was born seven and a half weeks early due to Stephanie’s severe pre-eclampsia. Immediately after birth, he was placed in the NICU, weighing just three pounds, two ounces. Amid the unexpected medical challenges, the NICU team introduced the Devines to the 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."

SSUH partners 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, ready to be thawed, and given to the baby.

"The launch of our donor breast milk program underscores SSUH’s commitment to providing the highest level of care for our community’s vulnerable newborns," said Doctor Irene Macyk, president of South Shore University Hospital. "We’re proud to offer this service to our community and to give every child in our NICU the best possible start."

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