Amruthadhaare, Karnataka’s first state-run human milk bank located at Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru.
Credit: DH FILE PHOTO
Bengaluru: Amruthadhaare, Karnataka’s first state-run human milk bank located at Vani Vilas Hospital, will now provide donor milk only to babies whose mothers are absent or medically unfit to breastfeed.
The decision follows instances of mothers neglecting midnight feeds during their hospital stay, relying instead on the bank’s milk.
Hospital staff observed that several babies had to be readmitted with dehydration after being discharged, prompting a review of the policy.
"We support only during hospital stay and in case of complications. Our aim is to promote two years of breastfeeding and reduce unnecessary dependency,” said Dr Archana, in-charge of the Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre at Vani Vilas Hospital.
Other state-run milk banks, such as those at Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College’s maternity wing and Gosha Hospital, receive 20 to 25 litres of donor milk each month with no reported wastage.
"There is hesitation among some women to donate due to community concerns. We now counsel pregnant women to breastfeed exclusively and donate any excess milk,” said Dr Usha, in-charge of the Gosha milk bank.
Before donation, mothers are screened for HIV, AIDS, and skin infections that may harm the child.
Why is breast milk recommended?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for two years.
"About 90% of brain growth happens in the first two years. Breastfed children have an IQ eight to 10 points higher than others,” said Dr Ravneet Joshi, MD (Paediatrics) and lactation specialist.
She added that breastfeeding also benefits mothers by reducing the risk of osteoporosis, breast and ovarian cancers, and postpartum depression.