Hello neighbors! I'm writing to ask if you would consider supporting the development of the Three Rivers Mothers' Milk Bank. I have been blessed in so many ways, not the least of which is the fact that my three children were born at full term and they did not require NICU stays or have any health challenges at birth. Unfortunately, my family's story is not the story of so many in our community. Here in Allegheny County, our infant mortality rates are dismal, especially in our African-American community, and it is time for us to step up and do something about it! *Wondering what you can do? Support the Three Rivers Mothers' Milk Bank.* For our most vulnerable babies, human milk isn't just nutrition...it is MEDICINE! There are a number of very serious complications that NICU babies face that are dramatically reduced when they are on a human milk diet. But, for so many of their mothers, bringing in a strong milk supply while dealing with the results of often challenging births and the extreme stress of having a baby in the NICU is hard. 70% of mothers with babies in the NICU aren't able to make what their babies need...donor human milk is the answer. Donor human milk has been exhaustively proven to increase the chance of survival and send healthier babies home to their families. It is also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for all babies under 3.4lbs. There is no medicine that can replicate its effectiveness. Couple that with the roughly 15,000 babies who are born prematurely every year in our area and you have a clear need - with an obvious solution. Pittsburgh is one of the only cities of our size in the country not currently accessing donor human milk in for their vulnerable babies. Primarily, this is a supply challenge...we don't have the facilities here to screen, process, and distribute the milk to our community. But that is about to change! The Three Rivers Mothers' Milk Bank is in development and is on track to open its doors in 2015. *What can you do to HELP?* 1. Click here to read more about the bank and view a video about why we desperately need this resource in our community. <https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/saving-our-babies-lives-three-rivers-milk-bank> 2. Consider a donation to this cause. Any small amount helps: $5, $50, or whatever you have to give. Donations can be given at the above link. 3. Share this with your friends. *This feels like a complete "no-brainer" for our community. Sick babies need donor human milk. You can help provide it. Will you join us?* I'm more than happy to answer any questions you have about milk banking, the use of donor milk, and infant mortality in our community. Amber -- Amber McCann, IBCLC Marketing Team, International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) Find ILCA online at: www.ilca.org Join us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/InternationalLactationConsultantAssociation> Tweet with us @ILCA1985 Pin with ILCA on Pinterest <http://www.pinterest.com/ILCApins>