Breast milk can be lifesaving for premature babies, Quebec charity says

Breast milk can be lifesaving for premature babies, according to Quebec charity Préma-Québec. Each year, about 6,000 babies are born prematurely in Quebec, which accounts for seven percent of all births in the province. Préma-Québec provides free access to specialized breast pumps for mothers with premature newborns, as these babies may be too weak to breastfeed directly or need help establishing their milk supply.

Hospital-grade pumps can cost around $2,700, while regular models are about $400. Préma-Québec's founder, Ginette Mantha, notes that breast milk can protect a baby's intestinal flora, provide antibodies, and reduce the risk of death for extremely premature babies. For every 20 babies born at 28 weeks or earlier who receive their mother's milk, one death is prevented.

Préma-Québec also offers psychological support to grieving families, including siblings who may struggle to understand the loss.