Concern is being raised at the lack of formal breast milk banks around the country - including in our biggest city - with some mums turning to social media to source it for their babies in need.
Some new mothers, for a variety of reasons, cannot breastfeed their babies, but with only four formal breast milk donation banks in the country, the options for these mothers are limited.
Auckland, which has two neonatal units, has no such facility.
The scarcity has seen some parents turn to social media in order to source milk, which comes with its own risks for donor and child.
Dr Mariana Muelbert is a Research Fellow at the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland with a focus on maternal nutrition and breast milk.
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