Breast Milk Bank

Breast Milk Bank Breast Milk Bank in GH Ernakulam was started in the year February 2021.It was a project initiated by Rotary Club of Cochin Global. WHO and UNICEF state that the use of human milk from other sources should be the first alternative when it is not possible for the mother to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is the best method of infant feeding- tailor-made and uniquely suited to the human infant. All mothers should be encouraged to breast-feed their infants. When a mother is unable to feed her infant directly, her breastmilk should be expressed and fed to the infant. If mother’s own milk is unavailable or insufficient, the next best option is to use Pasteurized Donor Human Milk (PDHM). RECIPIENTS Priority for preterm babies and sick babies, babies of mothers with postpartum illnesses, and babies whose mothers have lactation failure, till their milk output improves Absent or insufficient lactation – multiple births For babies of non-lactating mothers, who adopt neonates Abandoned neonates and sick neonates. Infant at health risk from breastmilk of the biological mother. DONORS The donor population is formed by healthy lactating mothers with healthy babies, who are voluntarily willing to give their extra breastmilk for other babies without compromising the nutritional needs of their own baby. Can include Mothers attending well baby clinics Mothers whose babies are in NICU Those who have lost their babies but are willing to donate their milk Lactating working staff in the hospital Motivated mothers from the community. Donors are not paid for their donations. Who cannot donate? Uses illegal drugs, tobacco products or nicotine replacement therapy Regularly takes more than two ounces of alcohol Positive for HIV, Hep B or C or syphilis Is herself or has a sexual partner suffering from HBV, HIV, HCV and venereal diseases OR has high risk behavior Has received organ transplant, any blood transfusion/blood product within the prior 12 months Is taking radioactive drugs or mega doses of vitamins Has mastitis; or fungal infection, active HSV or VZV infections in the mammary or thoracic region