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INDIANAPOLIS — The coronavirus pandemic has led to a decline in donations beyond food and money. One item that could make a huge difference for families is breast milk.
Nicole Geist, a mom of two who gave birth to her youngest six weeks ago, was making more than enough breast milk so she decided to donate some.
"I am a pediatric nurse and I've seen firsthand what the donated milk can do for those vulnerable babies," Geist said.
Research has shown breast milk is incredibly beneficial to babies. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast milk lowers the risk of several diseases throughout a child's life and breast milk has something formula milk doesn't have.
"It has antibodies so it gives babies passive immunity through the breast milk from mom," Geist said.
Those antibodies help babies fight viruses and bacteria. That's why the Milk Bank is hosting a milk drive to help babies who need this milk the most.
LEARN MORE | The Milk Bank
Before you show up you need to preregister and once they have your information they'll get in contact with you to set up a time.
"There's some paperwork, lab work, and questions you have to do but it's not too hard," Geist said.
Donors will have minimal contact with staff members because of the ongoing pandemic. Donors wait in their cars until they're called and everything is sanitized before and after to keep things as safe as possible.
"It was really fulfilling to me to know that I was helping a baby in need," Geist said. "When you know you're helping someone else it just feels good, especially with everything going on."
