The first human breast milk bank in New Zealand has officially opened at Christchurch hospital.
The Christchurch neonatal intensive care unit opened the bank to pasteurise excess milk for other babies in intensive care.
Pediatrician Maggie Meeks said the neonatal intensive care unit admits more than 800 babies a year, many of whom will now benefit from the pasteurised donated milk.
Dr Meeks said breast milk is particularly important for babies in the intensive care unit as they need optimal nutrition to encourage brain growth and it is available only to high risk babies.
