Urgent warning to parents over fears babies could CHOKE if they’re fed with kits used to collect colostrum

• SteriFeed Colostrum Collector device is used by expectant and new mothers
• The cap of the device has become lodged in six newborns’ throats, MHRA said

Kits used to collect breast milk should not be used to feed babies due to a ‘serious’ risk of choking, health chiefs warned today.

The SteriFeed Colostrum Collector is a syringe-style device used by expectant and new mothers to collect colostrum — the first milk produced by pregnant women.

It was made to store up to 1ml of the thick, golden-yellow and highly-nutritious milk and comes with a cap so the liquid doesn’t seep out while it is frozen before use. 

The tool is not intended to be used for feeding.  

However, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) stated the cap of the device has become lodged in six newborns’ throats when it was used for feeding and the stopper was not removed.

While none resulted in fatalities, one infant required emergency surgery. 

The SteriFeed Colostrum Collector is a syringe-style device used by expectant and new mothers to collect colostrum — the fluid the breasts produce from 37 weeks and in the first few days after birth

The tool was made to store up to 1ml of the thick, golden-yellow and highly-nutritious milk and comes with a cap so the liquid doesn’t seep out while it is frozen before use

However, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the cap of the device has become lodged in six newborns’ throats when it was used for feeding and the stopper was not removed

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said: ‘Patient safety is our top priority.

‘We strongly advise anyone using the SteriFeed Colostrum Collector to contact their healthcare provider for advice on how to collect colostrum and feed an infant safely.

‘This device is not intended to be used to directly feed your baby due to the risk of choking if the cap is not removed.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the fluid the breasts produce from around 37 weeks of pregnancy.

The thick and highly-nutritious milk is known as ‘liquid gold’.

It contains antibodies that protect babies from infection and help their immune system develop.

It also helps babies’ digestive system to develop, which protects them from allergies, according to the NHS.

Additionally, the milk encourages babies to open their bowels and pass ‘meconium’ — their first black sticky poo — which reduces their risk of jaundice.

‘Seek medical attention immediately if your child or a child in your care ingests an object and please report any incidences involving these devices to our Yellow Card scheme.’

The device, made by Devon-based Medicare Colgate, is supplied by some NHS trusts and can be bought by the public online.

The company will now change the design of its device to minimise the risk of choking but this will take six months to implement, the MHRA said.

The regulator urged parents to get advice from health professionals on how to feed their baby harvested colostrum safely. 

Known as ‘liquid gold’, colostrum is often collected from 37 weeks. 

The highly-nutritious milk contains antibodies that protect babies from infection and help their immune system develop.

It also helps babies’ digestive system to develop, which protects them from allergies, according to the NHS.

Additionally, the milk encourages babies to open their bowels and pass ‘meconium’ — their first black sticky poo — which reduces their risk of jaundice. 

As it is a very concentrated food, babies only need around one teaspoon of it at each feed.

The health service recommends collecting and freezing colostrum during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Source: Read Full Article