HUMAN MILK BANKING-NEED OF THE HOUR

 WHO and UNICEF have made a joint statement

Where it is not possible for the biological mother to breastfeed, the first alternative if available, should be the use of human milk from other sources. Human milk banking should be made available in appropriate situations.

Actually, the concept of human milk sharing is present since ancient times.

There are many references of wet nurses in our history book.

Human milk is species specific and is considered superior to all the alternative newborn feeding formulas.

Where is the need for human milk banking?

 See, there is need for human milk in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) babies.

In India, very large number of low-birth-weight babies are born. These babies are admitted Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

It is in their best interest that human milk is provided to them instead of formula milk.

If the mother has delivered multiple babies like twins or triplets, she may not be able to produce enough milk to support all infants.

If a woman has adopted a newborn, then also there is requirement of human breast milk.

If the mother is suffering from any medical disorder where she cannot breastfeed then also human breast milk is required.

How human milk is collected and stored

In milk bank breast milk is collected through voluntary donation from mothers. These women are screened for infections before collection of milk

This milk is pasteurized using scientific equipment. The milk is again screened for infection and stored in containers in deep freezer. This milk is then distributed through proper channels to the needy infants.