Human milk banks not gaining popularity in state; many babies forced to rely on formula milk

KOZHIKODE: The human milk banks or breast milk banks launched by the government for newborn babies who cannot get breast milk from their mothers are not gaining popularity in the state. The breast milk bank was first launched at the Kozhikode Medical College for newborns who cannot get breast milk from their mothers. Currently, breast milk banks are also available at the Thrissur Medical College and the Ernakulam District Hospital. However, breast milk is provided only to newborns in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at these facilities.

Numerous newborn babies require breast milk daily due to various reasons such as the mother's illness, death, low milk production, or the mother and baby being in different hospitals. Some individuals are taking advantage of this situation by selling formula milk and breast milk at exorbitant prices.

An average of 500-1000 babies are born in the state every day. Due to the lack of widespread breast milk banks, many of these babies are forced to rely on formula milk. The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that babies who consume formula milk have lower immunity.

Doctors are saying that breast milk is being supplied externally in limited quantities from Thrissur Medical College, often leaving the babies in the hospital without sufficient milk.

Breast milk bank
For newborns who cannot get breast milk from their mothers, Human Donor Milk is the best alternative. A Human Milk Bank, also known as a Breast Milk Bank, collects and distributes breast milk donated by lactating mothers.

Functioning
Any healthy lactating mother can donate breast milk. The milk is collected using a breast pump and stored in sterile containers. The milk is then pasteurized at 60 degrees Celsius. It is stored in a special room in the fridge and deep freezer.

Kozhikode Medical College (from 2021 to present)
Donors - 3893
Collected- 6,97,670 ml
Milk given to - 1967 children

Thrissur Medical College (Oct 2023- Oct 2024)
Donors- 1756
Collected-20,45,937 ml
Milk given to- 1820 children

Shortcomings
There is no breast milk donation awareness
Fewer people donating milk
There are no storage facilities