What is a Human Milk Bank and Why is it Essential ?

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Breast milk is the most crucial source of nutrition for newborns, especially preterm and low birth weight babies. However, not all mothers can produce enough milk due to medical conditions, stress, or postpartum complications. In such cases, a human milk bank plays a vital role in ensuring that vulnerable infants receive the essential nutrients they need to survive and thrive.

  • What is a Human Milk Bank?

A human milk bank is a facility that collects, screens, processes and distributes donated breast milk to infants in need. The milk is donated by lactating mothers who produce more than their babies require. This donated milk undergoes pasteurization and rigorous screening for infections before being provided to neonates, particularly those admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

Human milk banks play a crucial role in providing human milk to infants who need it most, particularly premature or sick newborns. When a mother's own milk is unavailable or insufficient, pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) from a milk bank can be a life-saving intervention.

  • The Need for Human Milk Banks in India

India faces a significant challenge with a high infant mortality rate (IMR), with a considerable percentage of deaths occurring in the neonatal period. Many of these deaths are due to complications related to preterm birth and low birth weight, conditions where mother’s milk plays a critical role in improving survival rates.

  • Key Reasons Why Human Milk Banks Are Crucial:

  1. Reducing NICU Deaths – Preterm babies in NICUs have immature digestive systems, making it difficult for them to tolerate formula milk. Donor human milk helps prevent life-threatening infections like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and enhances their chances of survival.
  2. Lowering Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) – Access to breast milk can significantly reduce the risk of sepsis, diarrhea and malnutrition, which are leading causes of infant deaths in India.
  3. Support for Mothers Facing Lactation Challenges – Some mothers experience delayed lactation or insufficient milk supply due to preterm deliveries or medical conditions. Human milk banks offer a safe alternative to formula feeding in such situations.
  4. Encouraging Breastfeeding Awareness – The presence of milk banks encourages breastfeeding, educates mothers on lactation and promotes a culture of milk donation.
  5. Aligning with National and Global Best Practices – The establishment and operation of human milk banks follow established best practices, as outlined in resources like "Best Practices for Expressing, Storing and Handling Human Milk" by Rebecca Mannel and Sarah Taylor. Additionally, India’s "National Guidelines on Lactation Management Centres in Public Health Facilities" (2017) emphasize the role of milk banks in public health.
  6. Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Human milk banking supports SDGs related to child health, nutrition and reduced mortality, making it an essential part of neonatal and maternal healthcare strategies.

  • Current Status and Challenges in India:

Despite the growing need, human milk banking is still in its nascent stages in India. While some hospitals and NGOs have set up milk banks, their number is insufficient compared to the country’s vast population.

  • Challenges include: 
  1. Limited Awareness – Many people are unaware of milk banks and the need for breast milk donation.
  2. Lack of Infrastructure – Establishing and maintaining milk banks require funding, skilled personnel and proper equipment.
  3. Cultural Barriers – There are misconceptions and hesitations surrounding the concept of donating and receiving breast milk.

  • The Way Forward

To ensure that more preterm and low birth weight babies receive the benefits of human milk, India must take proactive steps, such as:

  1. Increasing the number of milk banks across hospitals and NICUs.
  2. Spreading awareness about the importance of milk donation.
  3. Encouraging government policies to support milk bank initiatives.
  4. Ensuring accessibility and affordability of donor milk for needy infants.

  • Conclusion
A human milk bank is not just a medical facility; it is a lifesaving initiative for thousands of vulnerable infants in India. Strengthening milk banking infrastructure, spreading awareness and promoting lactation support can make a significant impact in reducing NICU deaths and improving infant survival rates. Encouraging breast milk donation can be a small yet powerful step towards a healthier future for India's newborns.

If you are a lactating mother with surplus milk, consider donating to a nearby human milk bank. Your donation could save a life!

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