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Doctors on USNS Comfort have put out a request for breast milk to feed undernourished and sick babies in earthquake ravaged Haiti has answered the call.

Why use donor milk?

According to Mothers Milk, Human milk is the ultimate source of nutrients and immune protection for all infants -- unmatched by formula. When mothers are not able to provide their own milk, they can nourish their children with pasteurized donor milk. This milk contains many of the active growth hormones, developmental enzymes, infection fighting and immunological factors found in a mother's own milk.

The doctor requested the milk because it can help save lives, says Georgia Morrow, coordinator of the milk bank operated by Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

"We would not go through all of this if we did not believe this will allow the babies the best opportunity for survival."

Breast milk contains antibodies that will help the babies fight infections, a common problem children face after a disaster, she explains. Breast milk also is safer option because, unlike some types of formula, it does not have to be mixed with water, she says. Clean drinking water is in short supply in Haiti.

The 500 ounces of frozen milk, which were donated by mothers from 12 states, will be transported by plane and helicopter to the ship. Morrow says she's not sure how long the milk will last, but says her organization will work with the other nine North American milk banks to keep the floating hospital stocked. Babies consume a teaspoon to a few ounces per feeding depending on their size, she says.

How can you become a donor?

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America says to contact the milk bank closest to you to find out if you are eligible to donate. Even if there is not a milk bank in your city or state, many of the milk banks will still screen and accept you as a donor. The milk bank will cover the cost of the blood screening test and the cost of shipping the milk. The minimum donation amount might be higher for a "shipping donor," but the extra effort to ship your milk to a non-profit milk bank is well worth your time when you consider the infants that will benefit.