Human milk banks play a crucial role in providing the best nutrition for newborns who, for various reasons, cannot be breastfed by their own mothers. The establishment of North-east’s first human milk bank at Guwahati in Assam marks a significant milestone in infant nutrition and care in the region. This facility is the 15th of its kind in India, indicating a growing awareness and commitment to supporting neonatal health through the provision of donor breast milk.
Introduction of North-East’s First Human Milk Bank
The new human milk bank in Guwahati has been set up to address the nutritional needs of newborns who are unable to receive milk from their mothers. Premature babies, those with mothers suffering from illness, or infants who have lost their mothers at birth are the primary beneficiaries of this service. The establishment of this milk bank is a step forward in ensuring that these vulnerable infants have access to the vital nutrients found in breast milk, which are essential for their growth and development.
Donation and Collection Process
The human milk bank relies on the generosity of lactating mothers who are willing to donate their excess breast milk. These mothers undergo a thorough screening process to ensure the safety and quality of the milk. The criteria for donation typically include a good health status, no use of medication or drugs that could harm the infant, and a willingness to undergo blood tests to rule out infections or diseases that could be transmitted through the milk.
Once approved, the milk is collected in a hygienic manner, either at the facility or at the donor’s home using sterilized containers provided by the milk bank. The collected milk is then transported to the milk bank while maintaining the necessary temperature conditions to prevent spoilage.
Pasteurization and Safety Measures
Upon arrival at the milk bank, the donated breast milk undergoes a pasteurization process to eliminate any potential pathogens while preserving most of the milk’s beneficial properties. Pasteurization involves heating the milk to a specific temperature for a set period before rapidly cooling it down. This process is critical to ensure that the milk is safe for consumption by infants with fragile immune systems.
After pasteurization, the milk is tested again to confirm the absence of bacteria and other contaminants. Only milk that passes this stringent quality control is approved for storage and later use.
Storage and Shelf Life
The pasteurized milk is carefully stored in deep-freeze storage units that maintain a consistent temperature to preserve the milk’s quality over time. Proper storage is essential to prevent any degradation of the milk’s nutritional and immunological value.
The shelf life of the stored milk can vary depending on the storage conditions, but it generally ranges from 6 months to up to 6 years. This extended shelf life ensures that there is always a ready supply of breast milk available for infants in need, regardless of the time of year or any fluctuations in donations.
Dispensing to Infants in Need
When a request for donor milk is received, the milk bank dispenses the required amount of pasteurized breast milk to hospitals or directly to the families of the infants in need. The milk is carefully thawed and warmed to the appropriate temperature before being fed to the infant, either by bottle or through a feeding tube if necessary.
Healthcare professionals closely monitor the infants receiving donor milk to ensure they tolerate it well and to track their growth and development. The goal is to provide these infants with the same benefits that breastfeeding offers, such as improved digestion, better immunity, and enhanced cognitive development.
In conclusion, the human milk bank in Guwahati is a beacon of hope for many families in the North-east region of India. It represents a community-driven solution to a critical healthcare need, ensuring that all newborns have the opportunity to thrive with the help of donor breast milk.
