There are orphans in Haiti who may need our help.   Clean water is scarce and many infants are left vulnerable to disease.

You can donate your milk to the nearest Human Milk Bank Association of North America. Please call 1-866-998-4550 or visit: http://www.hmbana.org/.

Logistical infrastructure is still being set in place, but by being proactive, we may be able to provide vital assistance to babies and infants in need.

Please visit these resources for more information:

THE INTERNATIONAL BREAST MILK PROJECT:  More information on Haitian Relief

BREASTFEEDING MOMS UNITE: An article of the value of Breastmilk during a state of Emergency

EMERGENCY NUTRITION NETWORK: Infant Feeding in Emergencies

And of course, THE AMERICAN RED CROSS accepts donations of all kinds (You can send a $10 Donation by Texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999).

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Updated 1/26/10:

DONATED BREAST MILK SET TO ARRIVE IN HAITI! (Click the link to learn more!)

You can also become a fan of the International Breast Milk Project on Facebook.

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UPDATED: 1/20/10

GIVEMILK, The International Breastmilk Project, who is working directly with HMBANA to get milk into Haiti has updated their website with more information on what is being done to get milk to the orphans in need, and they are making progress.    CLICK HERE to visit them on the web, and HERE to follow them on Twitter.   (I will continue to share updates via my Twitter as well.)

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UPDATED: 1/18/10

Per the Human Milk Banking Association of North America:

There is no way to get the milk into Haiti at this time.  The International Breast Milk Project is trying to find a conduit to get the milk safely there.  Meanwhile, they are referring everyone to HMBANA, attempting to build up their stores so if the Red Cross or Unicef calls for donor milk, we will do our best to get milk to them.

While the tragedy in Haiti is front and center on the world’s stage, HMBANA reminds us that there are many babies in the US in need of Donor Milk, and they encourage you to consider donating your milk regardless of it’s ultimate destination.   I’m going to sign up as a donor.    I hope you’ll do the same.   And of course, as the Milk to Haiti situation develops, I’ll update accordingly.

TO DONATE: Please visit THIS LINK and contact the milk bank nearest you.   They will screen you over the phone and tell you right away whether or not your milk will be accepted based on the age of your baby, types of containers if it is currently frozen, medications taken while breastfeeding, etc.    They’ll also be able to answer any other questions you may have.  Milk goes to babies with medical needs or those whose mothers cannot provide it.  (Even if there are no milk banks in your immediate area, you can still donate.   HMBANA will pay for shipping/screening and are always grateful for donations.)

Again, for the Milk Bank nearest you, please visit: HERE
And here’s their FAQ: FAQ

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On Sunday September 27th, just hours after giving birth to her baby girl Gabrielle, Jewelyn Okamoto died of an amniotic fluid embolism.   Sudden, tragic, and unpredictable, her death left her husband Philip to care for their beautiful daughter without his wife by his side.

Visit the website set up in Jewelyn’s honor HERE for details on how you can help Philip and Gabrielle during this difficult time.   Please consider making a donation or sending along any diaper coupons and/or formula checks you may have.  Anything Philip doesn’t use will be donated to the Liz Logelin foundation to help other families going through similar tragedies (for more information on the Liz Logelin foundation click HERE for their website, or visit her husband Matt’s blog, HERE.)

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John Hughes died today of a heart attack at the age of 59.    I’m truly saddened by this news – there are no words for the enormous impact that he had on me personally, as well as the countless filmmakers and storytellers both big and small that he influenced with his work.    Rest in Peace, John.    You will be missed.

The Films of John Hughes

Update:   Amy sent me a link to a blogpost by a woman (then a teenager) named Allison about her friendship via correspondence with John Hughes in the late ’80’s.  If you haven’t read it, you should.   It’s pretty moving stuff.

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