Breastmilk donors nourish 7,845 infants at Coimbatore GH in six months
Since its inception in 2015, the centre has collected 16,717.8 litres of donated milk from 24,654 mothers, benefiting 55,056 babies, many of whom are abandoned, preterm, or critically ill. In 2024 alone, the CLMC collected 10,104.65 litres of milk. Between January and June this year, 1,358.94 litres were collected from 1,635 donors.
Dr N Senthilkumar, professor in the hospital's paediatric department, said the CLMC plays a critical role in saving newborn lives.
'We are raising awareness among healthy, breastfeeding mothers—especially those who produce more milk than needed—about the importance of milk donation. Many are still hesitant. If more women come forward, it would greatly help children in need,' he said.
The lactation management centre receives referrals from nearby districts including Nilgiris, Pollachi, and Tiruppur. With some babies requiring up to 500 ml of milk per day, demand remains high. Donor milk helps reduce complications such as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease in newborns.
The Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre typically receives over 3,000 donors annually and supports 7,000 to 8,000 babies each year with 1,200 to 1,400 litres of donated milk.
Meanwhile, the district headquarters hospital in Pollachi also operates a breast milk bank. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the facility has helped over 509 children. In 2023–2024, it collected 73.83 litres of breast milk, benefiting 476 babies. Over the past three months alone, 102 mothers donated 15.75 litres of milk, helping 109 children.
Dr D Selvaraj, Chief Civil Surgeon of the paediatric department, said, 'During the Breastfeeding Week, we are conducting awareness campaigns. A common myth is that milk donation reduces supply for one's own baby, but more women are now coming forward than ever before.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
08-08-2025
- Hans India
Breastfeeding reduces risk of breast cancer
Eluru: District collector K Vetriselvi said that every pregnant and lactating woman in the district should be made aware of the importance of breast milk. As part of the Breast Milk Week celebrations, the Collector unveiled a poster on the importance of breast milk at the Collectorate here on Thursday. Later, nutritious food was provided to the pregnant women. Speaking on the occasion, Collector Vetriselvi said that it is mandatory to feed the baby with breast milk immediately after birth. The immunity of breastfed babies is enhanced. Breastfeeding has benefits for the baby as well as the mother. Breastfeeding releases a natural hormone called oxytocin, which helps the mother to feel less stressed after childbirth. Mothers who breastfeed for a long time have a lower risk of breast cancer. Breast milk contains all kinds of nutrients and that breastfeeding is sufficient from the time of birth to 6 months, and there is no need to give any solid or liquid foods. Kangaroo care strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child. Anganwadi staff should inform every pregnant and lactating woman in the Anganwadi area about the importance of breastfeeding, kangaroo care to keep the baby warm in the mother's lap, and other child care methods. Anganwadi staff should ensure that ANMs are seen to prevent anaemia and malnutrition, and that immunisations are administered regularly and health check-ups are conducted. Anganwadi staff should create awareness so that husbands and in-laws can support the mother in household chores for up to 6 months after delivery. They should ensure that breastfeeding rooms are set up in bus stands, cinema halls, malls, and other public places in the district. ICDS PD P Sharda said, 'As part of the Breastfeeding Week celebrations, we are making every pregnant and lactating woman in the district aware of the importance of breast milk.' She said that there are 24 breastfeeding rooms in the district and plans are being made to set up more. CDPOs Padmavati and Tulasi, Legal Advisor Raghavamma, Anganwadi supervisors, and Anganwadi staff participated in the programme.
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Time of India
Donor milk support goes up at Rajaji hospital
Madurai: The breast milk bank at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) has been a lifeline for newborns in the hospital for nearly a decade now. This year, till July, 2,529 mothers have donated breast milk to the bank, helping 2,334 babies. This is a considerable rise from last year when a total of 3,821 mothers donated. The department of neonatology, which deals with care for newborns, particularly premature infants, in GRH is the largest in the state. Head of the department, Dr J Ashok Raja, said 15 to 20% of the newborns have a condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). "During the first week of life, the baby starts vomiting, and it is harmful to the body," he said. "Breast milk is the best preventive measure for NEC." He added that there are biological components in breast milk that have growth factors for the newborn that formula milk can't match. Babies born in less than 32 weeks or weighing less than 1.5kg are the most important candidates for receiving breast milk. Doctors emphasise six months of exclusive breastfeeding for the newborn. "Breast milk contains 60% water, so there is no need for water too," Dr Nandini Kuppusamy, HOD of paediatrics, said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Now The Latest Article Undo It is crucial for brain development and also prevents respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases. Dr Ashok said gripe water is not recommended for newborns as it contains preservatives banned in some European countries. Breast milk donation starts with a screening of the mother for active diseases like HIV or transmissible infections. This is followed by counselling and collection of consent. The milk collected is sent to storage, and from there to pasteurisation and to the microbiological lab. After ensuring the milk is fit, it is distributed to newborns in need. Donor milk is especially given to premature newborns within the hospital for whom breast milk is crucial. Some mothers who are unable to breastfeed their child or those who have nipple soreness also use stored milk for their child. Most mothers who come to donate breast milk are doing so out of gratitude, says Ashok. "They may have a premature firstborn, after which they return to donate breast milk," he said. Other factors that influence mothers to donate are education and awareness, he said. Two mothers, Sivapriya R, 31, and Mutheeswari K, 29, were honoured for donating a total of 6.5 litres of breast milk in the last 20 days by dean Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar at a valedictory ceremony on Thursday on account of World Breastfeeding Week. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Does breastfeeding delay periods? Doctor explains the truth about fertility during lactation
Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1 to 7 every year. As it wraps up, let's take a closer look at one of the most misunderstood aspects of breastfeeding: its relation to fertility. The breastfeeding period may delay periods, but that should not be mistaken as natural contraceptive.(Shutterstock) Often, there are many questions surrounding breastfeeding, periods, and conception. Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? Does breastfeeding delay periods? And is breastfeeding a natural form of birth control? With so many questions, it's easy for myths and misconceptions to take over. It becomes vital to be well-informed to get better clarity. ALSO READ: 11 common breastfeeding myths in Indian families busted Dr Swapnil Agrahari, Sr Consultant, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at SilverStreak Multispeciality Hospital, shared with HT Lifestyle a comprehensive explanation behind this connection between breastfeeding and fertility. But first, he highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding and what it means for a mother's health. He said,'It also offers long-term health benefits for the mother by reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and potentially decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.' Does breastfeeding delay periods? Breastfeeding can delay periods. (Shutterstock) Often, new mothers who are breastfeeding observe a delay in periods. Dr Swapnil Agrahari elaborated on how breastfeeding affects fertility, causing a hormonal shift in the menstrual cycle. He confirmed, 'Breastfeeding can indeed influence fertility. When a mother breastfeeds frequently, especially within the first six months postpartum and without supplementing with formula or solids, it can suppress ovulation. This natural delay in the return of menstrual cycles is called lactational amenorrhea.' Why you may still need contraception But a delay in periods does not necessarily mean that it is a guaranteed form of natural birth control. Dr Swapnil Agrahari warned against this as well, as he added, 'For some women, this can serve as a temporary form of birth control. However, this effect is neither permanent nor guaranteed.' This is a common misconception, but ovulation can begin again, increasing the chances of being pregnant. Dr Agrahari explained, 'What's often overlooked is that ovulation can resume before the first postpartum period appears. In other words, a woman may be fertile and capable of becoming pregnant, even if she hasn't had a single period after childbirth. This makes relying solely on breastfeeding for contraception risky if you're not planning another pregnancy soon.' So, how do you know if your ovulation has returned and you might be at risk of getting pregnant, even if your periods haven't? Are there any signs? Dr Swapnil Agrahari confirmed that there are signs, even if periods haven't returned. He noted, 'By the time the baby is about six months old — or even earlier if night feeds decrease or solids are introduced — ovulation may resume, even if periods haven't returned. Given this uncertainty, medical professionals strongly advise considering additional forms of contraception.' Dr Agrahari further recommended contraceptive options such as progestin-only pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, or barrier methods like condoms. He assured that these methods do not interfere with milk supply and can help new mothers take control of their reproductive choices during this transitional period. So, it is important to be clear about the common myth that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy. It may delay fertility, but Dr Agrahari reminded that it cannot be used as a substitute for planned contraception. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
