Surya Mother And Child Super Speciality Hospital In Pune Organises Milk Donation Awareness Drive To Nourish Infants

A community initiative to make a difference in the lives of mothers and children

PUNE: Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital successfully hosted a breast milk donation awareness drive at their hospital premises in Pune under the theme of “Love in Every Drop Donated, Life in Every Drop Received”. Breast milk is the primary and ultimate source of nutrition for newborns and infants, it supports the healthy growth of babies and protects them against the risks of infections and diseases. In the absence of breast milk, donor milk is the second-best choice for any child, particularly for prematurely born babies or severely ill newborns. This drive was inaugurated by Dr.Manisha Khalane, a lactation consultant who addressed the cohort of donor mothers by emphasizing the significance of breast milk donation and lauding their contributions.

Breast milk contains all the nutrients that an infant needs in the first 6 months of life, including fat, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. However, only 43% of Indian infants are exclusively breastfed for 6 months according to NFHS. Some mothers may not be able to produce milk during pregnancy due to hormonal issues or post-birth infections. Breast milk donation can ensure a continuous supply of nutrition to premature or ill newborns who are unable to breastfeed.

The milk donation awareness drive witnessed the generous participation of 675 eligible donor mothers. SMCH through this drive was able to collect 527 liters 984ml from mothers which will help the hospital feed and nourish 525

The donor mothers also shared their stories, with grace and warmth, exemplifying an unwavering commitment to nurturing life. Minakshi shared – “I am a lactating mother who was already producing more milk than my baby needed. I had an oversupply of milk and decided to donate it to help infants in need. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only did I help nourish and save lives, but I also helped other mothers see their babies grow healthily with the necessary nutrients.”

Commemorating the event, Dr.Amita Kaul expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the donating mothers. In her thank-you note, Dr.Kaul acknowledged the invaluable role these mothers play in the hospital’s mission to provide optimal neonatal care – “Today, I want to thank every donor mother for her generosity and commitment. Your contributions have provided essential nourishment and crucial antibodies to protect the little ones in our NICUs. Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition, The good bacteria and oligosaccharides present in human milk help to strengthen and protect the baby’s digestive tract by promoting healthy digestion. Breast milk is loaded with hormones that help in regulating the baby’s appetite and help them develop a healthy sleep cycle. Every mother who participated in the donation drive today is a savior and has given a profound meaning to today’s theme – Love in Every Drop Donated, Life in Every Drop Received”.