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Milk Banks
Scottish Executive Question Time — Health and Wellbeing
2:15 pm
Brian Adam (Scottish National Party)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to increase the number of milk banks. (S3O-12599)
Shona Robison (Scottish National Party)
The Scottish Government currently has no plans to increase the number of donor milk banks in Scotland, but we are aware of
Brian Adam (Scottish National Party)
I have been contacted by a constituent who wanted to donate some breast milk but was told that that was not feasible because she lived too far away from the nearest facility, which was in Glasgow. What are the constraints that prohibit breast milk from being taken from Aberdeen to Glasgow for donation? Are there any plans to overcome those problems?
Shona Robison (Scottish National Party)
The member may want to write to me with more detail of his constituent's concerns. One issue is that the Glasgow facility must have a number of mechanisms for screening milk and ensuring that it is safe. A number of processes are involved, and it may not be feasible and, in the current climate, cost effective to set up a number of milk banks elsewhere. However, I am prepared to explore further whether there are issues vis-à-vis the transportation of breast milk from elsewhere that can be overcome. We can look at those in the context of the research that is under way and to which I referred in my initial answer.
Elaine Smith (Labour)
I am pleased that the minister thinks that the Government could do more to help and encourage women to donate their milk. What can she do to advise women that birth plans can include a request for donated milk, rather than artificial formula, in case of problems? What plans does she have to promote the importance of breastfeeding more generally?
Shona Robison (Scottish National Party)
As I said in my response to Brian Adam's question, I am happy to look at ways in which we may be able to do more on breast milk donation.
I know that Elaine Smith takes a close interest in the promotion of breastfeeding, so I am sure that she is aware of all the initiatives and campaigns that have been undertaken and of the fact that a great deal of work is done in our maternity services to ensure that mums are well aware of the benefits of breast milk for their babies. We will continue to do that work rigorously.
I am sure that the new infant nutrition strategy that will be launched later this month will be of interest to Elaine Smith, and I will ensure that she gets a copy.