Mother’s milk can reduce infant mortality by up to 14%.
Mumbai: Mother’s milk is considered life-saving nectar for newborns. However, some mothers are unable to lactate immediately after delivery, leaving their infants dependent on cow’s milk or formula. In such cases, a human milk bank proves to be a blessing.
At Mumbai’s Cama hospital mothers donate surplus milk after feeding their own babies. This donated milk is then provided to infants in need through the hospital’s milk bank. Over the past six months, 726 mothers donated around 248 litres of milk, of which 236 litres were supplied to 1,461 infants who could not receive breast milk from their own mothers.
Tamil Nadu Mom Donates Over 300 Litres of Breast Milk, Saves Thousands of Newborns
Breast Milk, a Boon for Newborns
Doctors highlight that breast milk provides newborns with essential nutrients and helps build immunity against life-threatening illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhea.
Studies show that access to mother’s milk can reduce infant mortality by up to 14%. Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as it remains the best source of nutrition for infants.