ALBUQUERQUE — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico granted $10,000 to Millennium Medical Group, whose neonatologists oversee care of well babies and neonatal intensive care unit babies born at Lovelace Women’s Hospital. Millennium used the grant to purchase six hospital-grade breast pumps, six breast pump trolleys and two waterless milk warmers for the hospital. The supplies will help improve efficiency and shorten delays in providing milk to premature infants.
“Helping to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants is an important priority for BCBSNM,” said Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, BCBSNM chief medical officer. “When mothers and children have the support they need, the entire family is positively impacted, leading to healthier communities.”
The Medela Symphony PLUS® breast pumps are hospital-grade breast pumps that can help increase a mother’s milk supply and produce more milk by closely mimicking the pattern during the first few days of lactation, when an infant sucks more irregularly. The pumps can be affixed to a trolley to move the pump more easily around the hospital. The Calesca Waterless Milk Warmer™ maintains the integrity of human milk by warming it to temperatures consistent with expressed breastmilk and not exposing it to high heat. The disposable insert hygienically holds a bottle or syringe in place, making it easier for families to prepare feedings next to the NICU bed.
“We are so grateful to Millennium Medical Group and BCBSNM for the donation of breast pumps and milk warmers for our mothers in the NICU,” said Amy Blasing, Lovelace Women’s Hospital's CEO. “These will help provide extra support to our mothers in nursing and pumping breast milk while their little ones are hospitalized and not yet ready to go home.”
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is the largest commercial health insurer in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About Millennium Medical Group
Millennium Medical Group is a premier healthcare provider specializing in neonatology services. Established in 2017, Millennium has grown to over 100 dedicated providers with over 40 years of combined experience. Millennium’s passion lies in serving the nation's most vulnerable population with excellence and compassion. With a focus on advanced medical practices, Millennium Medical Group delivers comprehensive neonatal care to meet the maternity needs of parents and their newborns. Millennium proudly serves hospitals across Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Georgia, including Baptist Beaumont, Texoma Medical Center, Lake Charles Memorial, Well Star North Fulton Medical Center, and UT Health Tyler. Recognized by publications such as UT Health East, Parents Magazine, and Fox Business, Millennium Medical Group is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients and their families. Millennium is continually expanding its reach to provide specialized care to more communities nationwide.
About Lovelace Women’s Hospital
Lovelace Women’s Hospital (LWH) is the first and only hospital in New Mexico dedicated to women’s health. It offers a 53-bed neonatal intensive care unit, a nationally recognized, award-winning breast care center and birthing center, and the first robotic surgery program in the state recognized as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC); recently completing its 9,000 robotic procedure. The hospital achieved three other Center of Excellence Accreditations from SRC in 2023, including accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Surgery, re-accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery and Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology, making it the first hospital in New Mexico to receive four SRC accreditations. LWH earned a Women’s Choice Award for 2023 as America’s Best Hospital for Comprehensive Breast Care and three in 2022, including recognition as one of America’s Best Breast Center, a Best Hospital for Obstetrics and a Best Mammogram Imaging Center. Its Family Birthing Center earned international re-recognition as a Baby-Friendly® designated facility since 2017, offering an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. To learn more about the state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative health care providers and award-winning quality initiatives at Lovelace Women’s Hospital, visit lovelace.com.