This week for our segment of Community Wise, The Pioneer connects with Dr. Pilli Govardan, who speaks in detail about the concept of milk banks.
SHIKHA DUGGAL
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and vital ways to nourish a newborn, providing essential nutrients and fostering a strong bond between mother and child. However, not every mother is able to breastfeed due to various reasons, making donated breast milk from milk banks a valuable resource. Unfortunately, despite the growing awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, myths and misconceptions still surround the concept of milk banks, hindering their acceptance and utilisation.
So, Dr. Pilli Govardan from the department of paediatrics and neonatology at MGM Healthcare spreads some consciousness through our special weekly column — “Milk banks are centers that collect, screen, process, and distribute donated breast milk to premature babies, infants, and babies with specific medical conditions. The establishment of milk banks plays a crucial role in saving the lives of vulnerable infants who are unable to receive breast milk directly from their mothers. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics endorse donated human milk as the best alternative when a mother’s own milk is not available. It contains antibodies, enzymes, and growth factors that boost the immune system and support optimal growth and development.”
Now comes the cognizance of blood banks versus milk banks to which he allows a perception as, “One of the primary reasons for the disparity in acceptance between blood banks and milk banks is the perceived notion of milk being a personal fluid, whereas blood is viewed as a life-saving medical resource. It is essential to debunk this myth and recognise that donated breast milk undergoes rigorous screening and pasteurisation processes to ensure its safety and efficacy. The milk bank procedures adhere to strict guidelines, much like blood banks, to guarantee that the milk is free from contaminants and safe for consumption by vulnerable infants.”
So the truth is that while the composition of breast milk can vary among individuals, donated breast milk from milk banks undergoes testing to ensure that it meets the required standards. “The milk is carefully analysed for its nutritional content and is fortified if necessary to meet the specific needs of premature babies and medically fragile infants. Breast milk production is a dynamic process, and the more a mother breastfeeds or pumps, the more milk she will produce. Donating excess milk will not jeopardize the mother’s ability to feed her baby. On the contrary, many lactation experts believe that the act of donating can stimulate even more milk production in some cases. It is crucial to distinguish between non-profit milk banks and commercial milk sellers. Reputable milk banks are typically non-profit organisations with a mission to provide lifesaving breast milk to vulnerable infants. These banks follow strict ethical guidelines and prioritise the welfare of both donors and recipients. Pasteurisation is a necessary step to ensure the safety of donated milk. While it may slightly reduce certain heat-sensitive components, the nutritional benefits of pasteurised breast milk far outweigh the risks associated with feeding untreated milk to premature or sick infants,” adds the consultant.
Conclusion is that milk banks are an invaluable resource that can save lives and offer a lifeline to premature and medically vulnerable infants. Dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding milk banks is crucial to ensure their acceptance and utilisation. By promoting awareness and understanding about the significance of breast milk donations, we can create a supportive environment that prioritises the health and well-being of all infants, regardless of their breastfeeding circumstances. Let us work together to bridge the gap and make milk banks as widely accepted and appreciated as blood banks, ultimately benefiting our society’s youngest and most vulnerable members!
