Mary Greeley Expands Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa Services Locally

Mary Greeley Medical Center has taken a significant step forward in supporting infant health by establishing a dispensary location for the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa. This new dispensary, supported by the Mary Greeley Foundation, will provide pasteurized donor human milk to families, ensuring that infants have access to human milk.

In the past, Mary Greeley had served as a depot location. This allowed the medical center to accept human milk from certified donors and distribute human milk from the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa to inpatient infants. In becoming a dispensary, Mary Greeley can now serve more infants in need by collecting human milk and distributing it to inpatients and outpatients.

The Value of Donor Human Milk

Human milk offers babies numerous health benefits, protecting against illnesses, reducing hospital admission rates, and is especially crucial for premature infants. Human milk contains unique immune system boosters and infection-fighting factors that are not found in formula, making it indispensable for the survival and health of tiny infants.

The Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa—based at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City—dispenses donated milk to partner hospitals like Mary Greeley. This milk is then provided to infants in need, including those with immunological defects, those whose mothers have an insufficient milk supply, and adopted infants. This milk is pasteurized and rigorously tested to ensure safety and quality.

A New Resource for the Community

Angie Carswell, BSN, IBCLC, who manages the program at Mary Greeley, explains the dispensary will have an immediate impact.

“We have used the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa for years to provide donor milk to our inpatient population,” Carswell says. “Now, families who wish to have donor milk for use at home can come to us with a prescription from their provider, and we can help them meet their goals or needs.”

Mary Greeley is now the most centralized of the five dispensaries in Iowa, making it a convenient resource for families in the region. This initiative not only supports those who delivered at Mary Greeley but also extends to families from surrounding communities.

Foundation Support

The establishment of the dispensary was made possible through the support of the Mary Greeley Foundation, which funded the purchase of a specialized freezer necessary for storing the donor milk. This collaboration involved various departments within the hospital, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup.

“The Foundation support has been crucial,” Carswell says. “They saw the value in the program and with the purchase of the freezer got the ball rolling. From there it has been a total team effort throughout the medical center. We’ve had great buy-in from every key department, including our accounting and business departments, information technology and more to make this work. It’s wonderful to see everyone come together to support this initiative.”

Enhancing Infant Health

The dispensary aims to remove barriers for families needing donor milk, offering a solution for those whose infants require additional nutritional support. While the cost of donor milk can be prohibitive for long-term use, the dispensary helps bridge the gap for short-term needs.

“This program removes one more hurdle for families,” Carswell says. “Most families only need a little bit of donor milk for a few days, and this service takes a lot of stress off them. It’s fulfilling to help families meet their goals and provide human milk, even in challenging circumstances.”

A Community Effort

Mary Greeley’s new dispensary for the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa underscores the hospital’s commitment to community health and infant nutrition. This program is another example of how philanthropic support can drive significant improvements in healthcare services.

“We are very fortunate to work in a hospital that values these programs,” Carswell says. “The ability to help families in this way is deeply fulfilling, and we are grateful for the Foundation support in making this possible.”