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Introduction
I am Dr. Pradeep Suryavanshi, Director of the Pediatric Department at Sahyadri Hospital, Nagar Road. Today, I want to talk to you about something incredibly important – milk banks. In India, there are at least 90 milk banks, also known as human milk banks. While most people are familiar with blood banks, not many are aware of milk banks, which can be lifesaving, especially for preterm babies.
What is a Milk Bank?
A milk bank is a facility where breast milk is donated by mothers, pasteurized, and then provided to preterm babies who cannot receive milk from their mothers. This process has been a game-changer for the health and survival of these babies. At Sahyadri, we have had a milk bank since 2014, and over the last 10 years, it has been instrumental in saving the lives of many preterm babies.
The Importance of Milk Donation
Milk donation is crucial for preterm babies—those born early with low birth weights ranging from 700 grams to 1500 grams. These babies are highly susceptible to infections, and their brain and eye development, as well as immunity, greatly benefit from receiving human milk. Ideally, every preterm baby should receive their mother’s milk, but when that’s not possible, milk from a milk bank is the next best option.
The Need for Milk Banks in India
India sees the birth of approximately 23 million babies each year, and about 15% of these are preterm. This means around 3 million preterm babies are born annually, and milk banks play a vital role in their development. Specifically, in Maharashtra, we have around 300,000 preterm babies who can benefit from milk banks. Over the past 10 years, we have provided milk to NICUs in at least 10 hospitals across Pune, saving the lives of around 5,000 preterm babies.
How Milk Banks Operate
In Pune, our milk bank supports not just the city but also surrounding districts. We have a dedicated milk donation van that visits homes to collect donated milk. This service is free of charge, and the milk is provided to preterm babies at no cost. This initiative is a significant social service, and I urge every mother and family to consider donating any extra milk they have. By donating, you can make a huge difference in the lives of these vulnerable babies.
How You Can Help
As we approach Breastfeeding Week, I encourage every mother to consider the gift of milk donation as the greatest contribution you can make to the health of India’s babies. If you have extra milk, please don’t let it go to waste. Contact us, and our team will come to your home to collect the milk. Together, we can ensure that every preterm baby gets the best start in life.
Conclusion
Milk donation is a simple yet powerful act that can save lives. By donating your extra milk, you can be part of a life-saving mission that benefits preterm babies across the country. Thank you for your support and generosity.
