Breast milk banking continues an ancient human tradition and can save lives

The nutritional value of human breast milk is uniquely matched to the needs of human babies

Around 2000 BC breastfeeding was considered a religious obligation.

Now we understand why breast milk is the ideal food for babies, with evidence showing it provides substantial benefits to health even beyond the period of breastfeeding.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for around six months, followed by introduction of solid foods and continued breastfeeding. In Australia, over 90% of infants start breastfeeding, and 39% are exclusively breastfed at four months of age.

Although the majority of mothers can breastfeed, some are unable or choose not to. Infant formula is