The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has initiated an integral system of Breast Milk Banks according to the “National Guidelines on Establishment of Lactation Management Centres in Public Health Facilities”. This structure is designed to ensure the collection, screening, processing, storage and distribution of donor human milk at various healthcare institutions.
Structural Hierarchy of Breast Milk Banks
There are defined levels within the Breast Milk Banks’ structural hierarchy. Each level has its unique role and function to aid in the process of managing and distributing breast milk.
Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre
The Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre is established mainly at Government Medical Colleges or District Hospitals that have a high delivery load and newborn treatment units. The purpose is to supervise the collection, screening, processing, storage and distribution of donated human milk effectively.
Lactation Management Unit
The Lactation Management Unit serves as a collection and storage facility for mothers’ milk. It operates at the district hospital/sub-district hospital level, primarily in institutions with at least 12 beds.
Lactation Support Units
Lactation Support Units are set up at all points of delivery. They provide breastfeeding support, lactation counselling, and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) assistance to new mothers. KMC is a method of care specifically for preterm infants, where the child is carried, usually by the mother, in skin-to-skin contact.
History of Breast Milk Banks in India
India’s first Breast Milk Bank was established in 1989 in Mumbai. Since then, these institutions hold considerable significance in supporting maternal and infant health.
Significance of Breastfeeding
Breast milk is acclaimed as the paramount source of nutrition for an infant’s first six months. It provides immunity against infections like diarrhea, acute respiratory diseases in early infancy, which helps to lower infant mortality rates. Additionally, it reduces the risk of mothers developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease. Breast milk also shields infants from obesity-related illnesses, diabetes and even enhances IQ.
| Infection Type | Prevented by Breast Milk |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infections | Yes |
| Obesity-related Illnesses | Yes |
| Diabetes | Yes |
Government Initiatives to Promote Breastfeeding
In a bid to promote breastfeeding, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched several national programs. One such initiative is MAA – “Mothers Absolute Affection”. Another significant project is Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre, established in collaboration with the Norwegian government.
