With increasing requests for breast milk due to the absence of nursing mothers and the recruitment of mothers of nursing babies to fill the void, the Health Ministry has published new instructions.
The would-be recipients include wounded babies and newborns of wounded women.
In light of the initiatives on social networks to donate breast milk, the ministry is suggesting that donations be made through the mother’s breast-milk bank; according to the recommended process, portions would be tested and deemed safe for consumption by the babies.
Eligible recipients are infants up to the age of six months. They rely on breast milk from their mothers who are absent because they were called to perform military reserve duty or they were wounded, kidnapped, or even murdered.Mother’s milk can be provided for babies between the ages of six and 12 months who cannot consume baby formula due to an allergy or intolerance and whose families have a document testifying to this situation from a medical authority.
These donations are also available to babies up to one year of age if necessary to assist in their recovery and confirmed by a physician.
Also eligible are babies with any medical condition such as cancer that requires breast milk and whose family’s request is approved by a medical specialist.
In a situation in which there is no information about the babies’ nutrition, there is a priority in giving breast milk, the ministry said. These criteria may change depending on the security situation and available stock. The ministry will update as necessary.
Families or medical officials who care for babies who meet these criteria, and women willing to donate breast milk, can contact the Breast Milk Bank at milkbank@mda.org.il; on WhatsApp 0526344101; or by phone to 073-260200.
The ministry said it encourages breastfeeding women to continue do so in an emergency, as it has been proven to prevent disease and reduce stress. Women who need help with breastfeeding or information regarding nutrition are invited to call the hotline for Tipat Halav – welfare clinic that provides healthcare services for pregnant women and children up to six years of age – at *5400, ext. 9, on Sundays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Working in healthcare
Meanwhile, due to the situation, the ministry has shortened the process of accepting new employees into the health system. This is to assist as much as possible in the treatment of the many injured and hospitalized.
The ministry has published a temporary order effective until the end of October for the admission of workers and volunteers to the health system. This includes employees and volunteers who were approved but have not yet completed the set of required vaccinations. They can start working in a shortened process; after getting vital vaccines to protect themselves and patients, they may complete the entire vaccination schedule at a later date. They can get their shots at the Health Ministry district offices and other institutions at the cost of the hospital or clinic that employs them.