Mandya proposes to set up breast milk bank to reduce infant mortality
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Based on their findings, a proposal will be prepared to establish a similar facility at Mandya District Hospital.
The initiative aims to provide safely processed donor milk from lactating mothers to infants deprived of their own mother's milk, improving survival rates. All donated milk will be pasteurised to retain vital nutrients and antibodies, with a shelf life of up to six months. Only healthy mothers will be eligible to donate.
Sharing her personal motivation, Nandini said, "I experienced motherhood twice, with both my children born in govt hospitals. My second daughter was delivered at Vanivilas Hospital, where I saw firsthand the impact of a breast milk bank. Many NICU babies cannot suck and need artificial feeding. For underweight infants, formula milk is often the only alternative. This bank will also benefit working mothers, ensuring their babies get breast milk even in their absence.
"
She said colostrum—produced in the first hour after birth—acts as a newborn's first vaccine, protecting against diseases. "Many mothers produce excess milk, which is often discarded. To me, it's as valuable as gold or diamonds. Mother's milk has no substitute; it's rich in immunity-boosting nutrients and can help any baby in need. For mothers, donation also prevents discomfort and health issues."
Calling the plan a "win-win" for both newborns and mothers, Nandini added, "With our existing staff, we can start this facility to help bring down infant mortality.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Once the study visit is complete, we will set up a similar bank in Mandya to benefit many families."
Dr Keerthi BJ, SNCU nodal officer, MIMS, said, "It's a really good initiative and need of the hour. In many cases, mothers of preterm babies are unable to produce sufficient breast milk. Using powdered milk can be risky, whereas mother's milk contains antibodies that provide protection and fulfil the baby's nutritional needs."
At MIMS, about 600 babies are born every year, and on average, 150 of them are preterm—meaning they are born before completing nine months of pregnancy, he said.
Dr Manohar R, associate professor of MIMS and president of Mandya District OBG Association, said, "That will definitely be beneficial. Those having issues with breastfeeding can definitely make use of this facility. Especially, preterm babies will be more beneficial."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Foundation laid for 50-bed critical care unit at MIMS
Mandya: A state-of-the-art 50-bed critical care unit (CCU) is coming up at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) at a cost of Rs 16 crore to enhance advanced healthcare services in the region, announced Mandya MLA P Ravikumar. Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the project on the MIMS premises Wednesday, Ravikumar said the facility will serve not only Mandya but also patients from parts of Ramanagara and Tumakuru districts. He lauded the sustained efforts of MIMS director Dr Narasimha Swamy, which also led to the launch of robotic radiotherapy services at the hospital on the same day. The MLA emphasised the urgent need for a dedicated district hospital in Mandya and assured that steps are under way to make it a reality. He also revealed that the ongoing cancer hospital project is 70% complete and is expected to be ready by Sankranti, with govt approval already in place for essential equipment. Dr Narasimha Swamy said the new critical care unit, supported by the govt, will soon be operational and will be followed by the cancer care centre. He added that a proposal for casualty distribution facilities has been submitted and the govt has assured assistance. The upcoming CCU will feature advanced intensive care units (ICU), isolation wards, modern operation theatres, high-capacity oxygen systems, and dialysis wards. It will be equipped with ventilators, anaesthesia workstations, and other critical life-support systems. By enabling emergency care on-site, the facility aims to reduce patient transfers to tertiary centres, significantly improving survival rates and patient outcomes. MIMS medical superintendent Dr Shivakumar, Mandya Urban Development Authority director Krishna, city council member Sridhar, and school development committee president Abhilash were present at the event. 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 silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Drug abuse big threat to nation's progress: Mandya DC
Mandya: Drug abuse is one of the gravest threats to the nation's progress, and everyone must shun narcotics to combat this menace, said deputy commissioner Kumara. He was speaking after inaugurating the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan – 2025 programme organised by the district police department at the MIMS auditorium here on Wednesday. Kumara stressed that preventing youth from consuming drugs and rehabilitating addicts is a collective social responsibility. "A significant proportion of crimes today are linked to substance abuse. Freeing society from drugs is a joint responsibility of both the public and the police," he said. Kumara urged students to take the lead in reforming peers, family members, and neighbours who have fallen into bad habits. "Human life is sacred—do not destroy it for momentary pleasures," he advised, calling on youth to adopt ethical values and build strong personalities that serve society. Superintendent of police Mallikarjun Baladandi said many youth and workers ruin their futures through addiction. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Union govt in 2020, aims to educate students in schools, colleges, and universities about the dangers of drug use. The Narcotics Bureau is also working nationwide to rehabilitate addicts, he added. Later, zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini administered an oath to students pledging to stay away from substance abuse. MIMS director Dr Narasimhaswamy, additional superintendent of police Gangadhar Swamy, MIMS college principal Dr Hanumanth Prasad, and District Tobacco Control Cell officer Thimmaraju were also present. 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 silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Mandya proposes to set up breast milk bank to reduce infant mortality
Mandya: To curb infant mortality, Mandya zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini directed district health officials to visit Vanivilas Hospital in Bengaluru to study its successful 'Breast Milk Bank' model. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Based on their findings, a proposal will be prepared to establish a similar facility at Mandya District Hospital. The initiative aims to provide safely processed donor milk from lactating mothers to infants deprived of their own mother's milk, improving survival rates. All donated milk will be pasteurised to retain vital nutrients and antibodies, with a shelf life of up to six months. Only healthy mothers will be eligible to donate. Sharing her personal motivation, Nandini said, "I experienced motherhood twice, with both my children born in govt hospitals. My second daughter was delivered at Vanivilas Hospital, where I saw firsthand the impact of a breast milk bank. Many NICU babies cannot suck and need artificial feeding. For underweight infants, formula milk is often the only alternative. This bank will also benefit working mothers, ensuring their babies get breast milk even in their absence. " She said colostrum—produced in the first hour after birth—acts as a newborn's first vaccine, protecting against diseases. "Many mothers produce excess milk, which is often discarded. To me, it's as valuable as gold or diamonds. Mother's milk has no substitute; it's rich in immunity-boosting nutrients and can help any baby in need. For mothers, donation also prevents discomfort and health issues." Calling the plan a "win-win" for both newborns and mothers, Nandini added, "With our existing staff, we can start this facility to help bring down infant mortality. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Once the study visit is complete, we will set up a similar bank in Mandya to benefit many families." Dr Keerthi BJ, SNCU nodal officer, MIMS, said, "It's a really good initiative and need of the hour. In many cases, mothers of preterm babies are unable to produce sufficient breast milk. Using powdered milk can be risky, whereas mother's milk contains antibodies that provide protection and fulfil the baby's nutritional needs." At MIMS, about 600 babies are born every year, and on average, 150 of them are preterm—meaning they are born before completing nine months of pregnancy, he said. Dr Manohar R, associate professor of MIMS and president of Mandya District OBG Association, said, "That will definitely be beneficial. Those having issues with breastfeeding can definitely make use of this facility. Especially, preterm babies will be more beneficial."
