Bhopal Human Milk Bank Helps 750 Newborns

A human milk bank in Bhopal has helped 750 newborns in the last year, including 110 pre-term babies. The bank, located at KN Katju Hospital, collected 113 litres of milk from lactating mothers and distributed 107 litres to those in need.

The human milk bank was established in 2019 at JP Hospital and was shifted to Katju Hospital in March 2024. It became fully functional in August last year after its pasteurisation unit was operationalised. The bank's incharge, Dr Smita Saxena, said that the collected milk is put through microbiological testing and pasteurised before being stored at minus 20 degrees.

Despite the bank's success, experts are worried about the low donor rate. Only 16% of lactating mothers admitted to the hospital donated their milk, due to various myths and misconceptions. Dr Saxena said that all lactating mothers admitted to the hospital with excess milk are counselled to donate, but very few agree.

Human milk banks play a crucial role in providing mother's milk to infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed them. They collect milk from nursing mothers, process and store it, and dispense it to babies in need. Donating milk does not harm the mothers and can even benefit them.

Dr Saxena emphasized the need to make lactating mothers aware of the importance of donating milk. She said that donating milk can save the lives of newborns and ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

The human milk bank at Katju Hospital is the only one in Bhopal and has been making a significant difference in the lives of newborns. However, the low donor rate remains a concern, and efforts are needed to encourage more lactating mothers to donate their milk.

The bank's success can be attributed to the hard work of the staff and the support of the hospital administration. The bank's ability to provide pasteurised milk to newborns has been a game-changer for many families.

In the coming months, the bank plans to reach out to more lactating mothers and encourage them to donate their milk. With increased awareness and support, the bank hopes to increase its donor rate and help even more newborns in need.

The human milk bank at Katju Hospital is an example of the impact that can be made when people come together to support a noble cause. By donating their milk, lactating mothers can make a significant difference in the lives of newborns and their families.

Overall, the human milk bank at Katju Hospital is a valuable resource for the community, and its success is a testament to the power of human kindness and generosity.

The low donor rate, however, remains a challenge that needs to be addressed. With more awareness and education, it is hoped that more lactating mothers will come forward to donate their milk and help those in need.

In conclusion, the human milk bank at Katju Hospital has made a significant difference in the lives of 750 newborns, and its work is a testament to the importance of human milk banks in providing nutrition to those in need. With increased awareness and support, the bank hopes to continue its good work and help even more newborns in the future.

The bank's work is not only limited to providing milk to newborns but also aims to educate lactating mothers about the importance of donating milk. By doing so, the bank hopes to increase its donor rate and make a more significant impact in the community.

As the bank continues to grow and expand its services, it is essential to recognize the importance of human milk banks in providing nutrition to newborns. With more support and awareness, human milk banks like the one at Katju Hospital can make a significant difference in the lives of many families.

In the end, the human milk bank at Katju Hospital is a shining example of the impact that can be made when people come together to support a noble cause. By donating their milk, lactating mothers can make a significant difference in the lives of newborns and their families, and it is essential to recognize and appreciate their contributions.