Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful interventions in improving newborn survival, yet many mothers face challenges in initiating and sustaining it. In India, where neonatal mortality and malnutrition remain pressing public health concerns,
ensuring breastfeeding support within healthcare facilities is critical.
Recognizing this, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) introduced the National Guidelines for Lactation Management Centres (LMCs)
a structured initiative designed to support and protect breastfeeding in hospitals and healthcare settings.
Why Do We Need Lactation Management Centres (LMCs)?
Imagine a premature baby born underweight, struggling to feed, while the mother is battling post-delivery complications. In such situations, the newborn urgently needs safe donor human milk to thrive.
This is where LMCs step in.
LMCs are institutional setups aimed at:
✔ Helping mothers initiate and sustain breastfeeding
✔ Providing safe donor human milk for sick or preterm babies
✔ Standardizing lactation support across healthcare facilities
These centres function across three tiers, based on capacity and services:
🔹 Lactation Support Units (LSUs) – Providing one-on-one lactation counseling and breastfeeding assistance in hospitals and medical colleges. 🔹 Lactation Management Units (LMUs) – Equipped to collect, screen, pasteurize and store donor human milk, commonly found in large healthcare facilities with NICUs.
🔹 Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres (CLMCs) – High-capacity centres that offer full-spectrum lactation services, including donor milk banking, staff training and research.
How These Guidelines Are Changing Healthcare
The introduction of national guidelines has transformed how hospitals approach breastfeeding and infant nutrition. Here’s why they matter:
1️⃣ Increasing Newborn Survival Rates
India has one of the highest numbers of low birth weight and preterm babies worldwide, many of whom cannot breastfeed immediately. LMCs bridge this gap by ensuring access to pasteurized donor human milk, reducing the risk of infections like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
2️⃣ Ensuring Safety & Standardization
The guidelines establish clear protocols for:
Milk collection, screening, pasteurization, and storage
Staff training and hygiene standards
Breastfeeding counseling for mothers
Documentation and monitoring
This ensures uniform safety and quality across all lactation centres, creating a structured and trusted system.
3️⃣ Promoting Ethical Practices in Milk Banking
Milk donation remains voluntary and non-remunerative. The guidelines reinforce informed consent and transparent communication, safeguarding ethical standards while upholding maternal dignity.
What’s Inside the Guidelines?
Beyond infrastructure recommendations, the guidelines focus on:
🏥 Equipment Needs – From breast pumps and pasteurizers to deep freezers and milk analyzers, ensuring proper storage and processing.
👩⚕ Specialized Human Resources – Including trained lactation counselors, nurses, microbiologists (for milk testing), and technicians. 📖 Training Modules – Healthcare staff undergo regular training and certification for consistent and evidence-based lactation support.
👩👩👧👦 Community Awareness – Campaigns that encourage mother-to-mother support and family inclusion in breastfeeding education.
Aligning with National Health Programs
The LMC initiative seamlessly integrates with several existing government programs, enhancing its impact:
🔹 LaQshya – Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative
🔹 MAA – Mothers’ Absolute Affection Program
🔹 Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) – A program focusing on child health screening
By working in synergy with these programs, breastfeeding support becomes a continuous intervention, right from delivery wards to neonatal care units.
Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Breastfeeding Support
India’s adoption of National Guidelines for Lactation Centres represents a landmark moment in infant health. As awareness grows and implementation strengthens, these lactation centres will not only save lives but also reshape the country’s approach to breastfeeding advocacy.
The journey ahead is promising—with robust healthcare infrastructure, committed professionals, and an empowered community, India is laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier generation.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is a child’s right and a mother’s gift. By institutionalizing lactation support and human milk banking, India is weaving a safety net for its most vulnerable citizens—the newborns. These guidelines aren’t just policy documents; they are a blueprint for a healthier, more resilient future.
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