It can be a scary time for parents when babies are born prematurely, as they are vulnerable to life-threatening infections and conditions. A new milk bank has opened this week which will be giving premature babies a greater chance of survival.

The first statewide donor human milk bank opened on Sunday in Alexandria. It will be run jointly by Australian Red Cross Blood Service and NSW Health.

The much needed milk will be delivered to Neonatal Intensive Care Units across NSW giving the estimated 1,000 babies born prematurely each year in NSW a fighting chance.

2SER spoke to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service Milk Bank Manager Chris Sulfaro to find out how the bank is going so far and to discuss the donation process.

To donate or find out more: www.milkbank.com.au