Countess of Chester Hospital launches donor milk scheme for mothers undergoing cancer treatment
A new scheme is being launched at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to support mothers who must stop breastfeeding due to cancer treatment.
The CHERISH project, due to roll out this spring, will provide access to human donor milk for babies whose mothers are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Until now, there has been no consistent local route for families in this situation to access donor milk, despite it being widely recognised as the best nutritional option for infants.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with Chester Milk Bank, aims to ensure babies can continue to receive human milk even when their mothers are unable to breastfeed during treatment.
Laura Atherton, Bereavement Lead at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said:
“We see the shock and distress families experience when a new cancer diagnosis suddenly means a mother has to stop breastfeeding. It’s an emotionally overwhelming time, and having to pause something so meaningful can add to that pressure.
“Donor milk can’t remove all of the worry, but it can offer comfort, reassurance, and a sense that parents are still able to give their baby something they had hoped to provide themselves.”
“The CHERISH project is about compassion, dignity and making sure no family feels forgotten.”
One local mother who previously received donor milk during cancer treatment described its impact:
“Donor milk was a precious gift when cancer meant I couldn’t breastfeed. Cancer brings fear, disruption and a brutal treatment schedule, and being forced to stop breastfeeding suddenly on top of that would have been devastating. It helped nourish my baby while I was too unwell to feed her from hospital and made it possible for us to return to breastfeeding.
“I’m so grateful to the milk bank and generous donors – without them, our feeding journey would have ended far too soon. I hope more mums facing cancer can find the same support through CHERISH.”
Cathy Chadwick, Chief Operating Officer at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, added:
“This wonderful new scheme will send a clear message that parents facing cancer in early parenthood should not have to choose between lifesaving treatment and the wellbeing of their baby.
“It reflects our commitment to compassionate, family centred care, and to making sure every baby in our community has the strongest possible start in life, regardless of the challenges their parents are facing.”
The scheme is expected to support families across Chester and the surrounding area, including parts of North East Wales.
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