Human milk bank (HMB) services are an essential component of a breastfeeding-friendly health system. HMB services give at-risk infants, such as those born pre-term or low birthweight, access to the multiple benefits of breastmilk when they need it most.

The first six months of life are critical for child health and development. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients infants need during this period, supporting brain development and reducing the risk of infection and malnutrition.

In preparation for a national advocacy meeting on human milk banking in Myanmar, A&T worked with UNICEF to develop a brief on human milk banking as a component of a breastfeeding-friendly health systems.

This technical brief highlights key factors that influence newborn nutritional outcomes and the evidence-based practices that can be applied globally to support optimal infant nutrition within the first 28 days.

Alive & Thrive (A&T) Generation 2 is here. This phase of A&T aims to further enhance sustainability of projects and processes that generate positive improvements in maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN).

In February 2017, the first human milk bank in Viet Nam opened in the Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children (DNHWC). The Ministry of Health and Alive & Thrive selected to establish these services at the DNHWC because of the hospital’s existing emphasis on breastfeeding.