A B.C. breast milk bank that supplies pasteurized milk to newborns in hospitals across the province is in need of donors.
The BC Women's Hospital-based initiative says milk from a baby's own mother is always the first choice, but a donor's can be the next best thing.
Breast milk provides babies with antibodies to fight disease and infection, BC Women's says, and it's especially important for sick, premature and very tiny babies.
It's a program that helps parents like Amanda Baird, who recently gave birth to premature twins - one of whom is pictured in the tweet below.
"If you've got the milk, please donate to the hospital. It helps out a lot of moms and families and babies that are in need of it," she said Thursday.
The demand is high, and supply often runs low. Currently, the bank is seeking new donors to help supply hospitals including Chilliwack General, Langley, Lions Gate, Royal Columbian, Surrey Memorial and St. Paul's.
"We like to keep a certain amount in the freezer so it's an ongoing smooth process and right now it's a little low," milk bank co-ordinator Frances Jones said.
The bank hopes to expand to include all neonatal intensive care and maternity units in the future.
Those interested in becoming a donor can get more information online, including answers to frequently asked questions.
With files from CTV Vancouver's Maria Weisgarber
