Considering the high demand for breast milk due to the unavailability of nursing mothers and the enlistment of mothers who are nursing their babies, we have compiled guidelines for utilizing milk from a breast milk bank for infants in need. Breast milk is recognized as the optimal source of nourishment for babies.

These guidelines specify the eligibility criteria for infants to receive donated breast milk:

Infants up to six months of age who require breast milk due to the unavailability of their mother (e.g., due to injury, abduction, or loss of the mother).

Infants up to six months of age who require breast milk because their mother is conscripted under Order 8.

Infants between six months and one year of age who are without their mother due to enlistment and are unable to use standard infant formula (e.g., due to allergies or intolerance) as determined by a medical authority.

Infants up to one year of age who have sustained injuries and require breast milk to aid in their recovery, as determined by medical professionals.

Any medical condition necessitating breast milk, such as oncological conditions, will require approval from specialist medical or other care providers. Priority will be given to cases where there is limited information regarding the infant's nutritional needs.

**Please note that these eligibility criteria may be subject to change based on the security situation and milk supply availability. The Ministry of Health will provide updates as needed.

Families or healthcare providers with infants meeting these criteria, as well as women willing to donate breast milk, can contact the Breast Milk Bank through the following means:

• Email: milkbank@mda.org.il
• WhatsApp: 0526344101
• Phone: 073260200

The Ministry of Health strongly encourages breastfeeding women to continue breastfeeding during emergencies, as it has been proven to prevent illness and reduce stress.

Lactating women seeking assistance with breastfeeding or nutritional information can reach out to the Tipat Halav Hotline at *5400, extension 9, on Sundays from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Lahav association has established a fund to ensure that breast milk is accessible to needy babies from the National Breast Milk Bank. Due to the current circumstances, there is a heightened demand for breast milk, and your donations will help us continue to provide this vital resource to infants in need, even after the emergency situation has subsided.

Support us with any amount you can contribute so that we can continue our efforts to assist every newborn in Israel.

You can find various ways to make a donation below:

Donations via PEF – Lahav – For the Premature Babies in Israel – #80652 – 58-0434108 – D.N. HaNegev

JGIVE – Click here – a donation to an association on this platform is recognized for receiving a tax refund in Israel (Section 46), USA (501(c)(3)) Canada and England.

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And if not life itself, certainly its quality.

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