Breast milk provided to 17,307 infants, donated by 4,673 mothers in Kerala

United News of India

4 days ago

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 2 (UNI) A total of 17,307 infants in Kerala have benefited from donor breast milk provided through the state's three operational breast milk banks, thanks to the generous contributions of 4,673 mothers.
Health Minister Veena George announced that the breast milk banks established in various hospitals across the state have been a resounding success.
Under the current government, milk banks have been set up at Kozhikode Medical College, Thrissur Medical College, and Ernakulam General Hospital. Facilities at SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam Medical College are also ready for launch.
So far, 11,441 babies have received donor milk at Kozhikode Medical College, 4,870 at Thrissur Medical College, and 996 at Ernakulam General Hospital. Encouraged by this success, the government plans to expand milk banks to more hospitals, benefiting a significantly larger number of newborns.
Breastfeeding Week is being observed from August 1 to 7, emphasizing the vital role of breast milk in ensuring infant health and survival. Health experts recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and continuing exclusively for the first six months.
However, factors such as infectious diseases, low birth weight, or mothers being on ventilators may prevent some newborns from being breastfed. The milk banks aim to bridge this gap by ensuring the availability of safe donor milk for such infants.
Donor breast milk is collected from healthy, willing lactating mothers, and is then processed, screened, and stored hygienically before being distributed to infants in need. Most donations come from mothers and hospital staff. In some cases, mothers unable to breastfeed their own babies may also choose to donate milk.
Milk is dispensed only after rigorous screening to confirm the absence of harmful bacteria, and it can be safely stored in freezers for several months.
The Health Department, in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, has prioritized the promotion of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding centres have been established in public spaces and hospitals across the state.
In addition, the Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative has been launched to ensure quality and compassionate healthcare for mothers and infants and to encourage breastfeeding. This initiative has already been implemented in 45 hospitals.
Minister Veena George emphasized that breastfeeding is one of the most precious gifts a mother can give to her child. She urged mothers to embrace this responsibility and called on families to provide the necessary support and encouragement.
UNI DS SS