Centre of excellence for newborn care in Uganda

“My name is Mwesigwa. I lost my wife, the mother to my babies at birth. I had just arrived in the neonatal unit to see my newborn babies, right after their mother had passed on. They were preterm, weighing only 1kg each. Everything was new to me, and I had to learn a lot.

We were offered donor human milk, and initially I was worried that the milk could have some issues. But the Breastfeeding Specialist took time and explained to me carefully that they check the donor mothers and also heat the milk [pasteurise] before they give the milk to other babies like mine. After she explained this to me, I changed my mind about it. This donor milk has been very good on my side. Like I said, their mother had passed on and I didn’t have a lot of other options. I was worried that my babies would also die since they weren’t going to get milk from their mother.

Since I came to the unit, my babies have received donor milk every single day until discharge. Now my relative will take over breastfeeding them at home. When they were born, we had to feed them with a feeding tube into their stomach. I was worried about that, but then I saw almost every other small baby was using one and none of the, had issues, and I too, started to see my babies grow well. I was so amazed to see these small babies being tied on the chest in kangaroo [also known as kangaroo mother care]. I was so afraid of putting my babies on my chest at first, but now I know that it helps to keep them warm so they feel like they are in the womb. And now my babies have grown!

I would like to thank all the staff in the neonatal unit for the special care they give babies. I would like to tell everyone that donor milk has no problem, it has saved my babies & can save the future generations.”

Every newborn deserves the best start in life, but not every baby has access to enough of their mother’s own milk. For our smallest friends, breastmilk is the best & safest option.

Mbale Human Milk Bank continues to grow and thrive, giving life & hope in even the darkest of places. It is only possible with your support. Please consider a regular monthly donation to keep our programme alive and support every newborn with a chance at life.