As a registered charity, NMMB is committed to keep milk costs as low as possible. One of the ways we try to reduce costs is to operate 4 days per week. These restricted hours can cause issues if a mom gives birth and needs milk to bridge her baby until her own supply is established. With our current hours of operation she would not be able to access milk from Thursday evening until Monday morning.
NorthernStar Mothers Milk bank has had the opportunity to extend our hours and our reach by offering pDHM through pharmacies. This allows families to access a limited amount of milk during the hours the milk bank is closed. Milk is still triaged to the sickest babies first; in fact 85% of the milk supply goes to hospitals. If we face a situation where supply is limited then the pharmacies access is restricted.
We hope that this service will get milk to the babies that require it in short term conditions such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugars) or moms who are unable to produce adequate volumes due to a caesarian or she is sick herself. We are committed to making sure newborns have access and the right to optimal nutrition. A special thank you goes to Cambrian Pharmacy in Calgary and Mint Health and Drugs in Grande Prairie for extending this service to all babies in their region.
Jannette Festival
Executive Director
Cambrian Pharmacy
728 Northmount Dr NW #9
Calgary, AB
T2K 3K2
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Mint Health & Drugs
106 11601-101 Ave
Grande Prairie, AB
587-299-9555
Hours :
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
NEW TEAM MEMBERS
Welcome to our Jessica & Charlene who joined the NMMB team this fall.
Jessica
Donor Liaison
Charlene
Lab Technician
GRATITUDE
We would like to thank everyone to participated in the Shaw Charity Classic this year and supported NorthernStar through a financial donation. These funds will go towards our Charitable Care Program to ensure all babies will have access to Pasteurized Donor Human Milk.
Stayner Family
We would like to thank Matt & Delia Stayner for their continued support. Matt & Dee were an essential part of the creation of the Milk Bank and every year since have made a financial donation to ensure all babies have access to donor human milk. Their commitment to supporting the Calgary Community goes above and beyond and we are so grateful.
MAJA Humanity Foundation
Thank you to the MAJA Foundation for donating $5,000 to our Charitable Care Program. They have been supporting the NorthernStar for three years and their support has made a significant difference for the health of many babies.
Aligned Insurance
At the beginning of October we were the recipients of $2000 awarded by Aligned Insurance's Give Generously contest. These funds will be put towards our Charitable Care Program, ensuring sick and fragile babies received the life-saving benefits of pasteurized donor human milk.
COMMUNITY
NMMB Breastfeeding Classes
These classes are free to first time moms who would like some help navigating the first few weeks with their newborn. Skills and strategies such as breastfeeding positions, proper latch, feeding frequency and troubleshooting are all areas that our lactation consultant will address.
Classes are once a month and dates are based on mom's availability. Give us a call or email us at contact@northernstarmilkbank.ca if you are interested in attending.
NMMB Breastfeeding Café
The last Friday of each month we host our Breastfeeding Café from 9:15am - 11:00am. At each café we will have light refreshments, coffee/tea and make connections with other breastfeeding moms in the community. Attending each café is a guest speaker to lead us in discussions on topics ranging from sleep advice to infant CPR. Additionally, our two in-house lactation consultants (IBCLC's) will be touching on a variety of topics to help navigate a successful breastfeeding journey. You can find information on each café through our Facebook page. Please call or email us to reserve a spot, all are welcome to attend!
Winnipeg Baby & Belly Fair
We really enjoyed our time at the Baby & Belly Fair in Winnipeg October 20th. Taylor, our Donor Liaison flew out to meet our donors, answer questions about milk banking and spread awareness on the benefits of breastmilk. Thank you to Janique, one of our Winnipeg donors, for spending a few hours at our table offering a donors perspective on why she donated her milk.
SANTA PHOTOSHOOT
** DONOR DISCOUNT CODE **
NorthernStar has partnered with Sandra Miller at ShutterBEAN Photography to provide immunocompromised children an opportunity to meet and take a photo with Santa in a safe clean environment.
PREMATURE & IMMUNOCOMPROMISED BABIES
For parents with premature babies or children undergoing medical treatments, you can sign up for a Santa photo session free of charge - it's our gift to you ! All sessions are taking place November 15th, between 9am - 2 pm, at NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank. To register, send an email to contact@northernstarmilkbank.ca with your name and phone number and we will get in touch with you.
NORTHERNSTAR DONORS
For all of our donors, Sandra is offering $20 off her sessions on November 16th & 17th. Use the link below to register and input the code " milkbank " at checkout.
All sessions are taking place November 15th, between 9am - 2 pm, at NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank. To register, send an email to contact@northernstarmilkbank.ca with your name and phone number and we will get in touch with you.
