UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital has partnered with the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa to open Linn County’s first breast milk bank dispensary.
The dispensary, located within St. Luke’s Center for Women’s and Children’s Health at 150 11th St. NE in Cedar Rapids, provides families access to pasteurized donor milk for infants needing supplemental breast milk. Previously, families had to travel to Coralville for pickup.
“Human milk provides optimal nutrition and immune protection for babies, especially those who are premature or medically fragile,” said Kathie Manderscheid, director of St. Luke’s Center for Women’s and Children’s Health. “We’re grateful to offer this service in collaboration with the Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa to support families and help give babies the healthiest possible start.”
The Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa screens, processes and pasteurizes all donor milk. Families need a prescription from their health care provider to obtain donor milk from the dispensary.
Pickup is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A processing fee of $15 per 100 milliliters applies. Families can schedule pickup times by calling (319) 369-7264.
The center can also provide information on donor milk eligibility and becoming a milk donor at the same number.
