Category : Neonatology
Breast milk is the best and most complete nutrition for newborns. It protects babies from infections, supports brain development, reduces hospital stay, and provides vital antibodies and nutrients that no other milk can match. Yet, many mothers face challenges in breastfeeding due to illness, medical complications, or premature delivery.
To ensure that such babies receive the nourishment they need, JSS Hospital proudly announces the launch of Mysuru’s first Human Milk Bank — the Shishu Amrutha Milk Bank. This pioneering initiative will provide pasteurised donor human milk (PDHM) to newborns who cannot receive their mother’s milk. The milk bank, which will soon begin operations at JSS Hospital, is a crucial step toward guaranteeing that every newborn receives the best possible start in life, especially during the critical early stages of development.
Why Donor Human Milk?
Pasteurised donor human milk is especially valuable for babies who need special medical care. Compared to formula milk, PDHM helps to:
- Reduce serious infections
- Decrease the need for IV nutrition
- Shorten NICU stay
- Support better brain growth and long-term development
It is truly a life-saving alternative for babies who are unable to receive their mother’s milk.
Which Babies Benefit the Most?
Donor milk is provided to infants who need it the most, including:
- Preterm and sick newborns
- Babies whose mothers are unwell after delivery
- Babies whose mothers have temporary lactation failure
- Extremely low birth weight infants (under 1000 g)
- Babies recovering from intestinal infections or surgeries
- Orphaned or abandoned babies
This facility will be a lifeline for vulnerable infants, reducing the risks of malnutrition and ensuring healthier, happier beginnings.
Who Can Donate Milk?
Any healthy breastfeeding mother who produces more milk than her own baby needs can volunteer to donate. Donation is safe, simple, and completely voluntary. Donors undergo a health check-up and basic blood tests. Milk is accepted only after informed consent. Donors are not paid, and no incentives are given. Recipients may be charged only a nominal fee for operational costs.
By donating milk, mothers extend their love and compassion to another child in need.
How Is the Milk Processed and Stored?
The Shishu Amrutha Milk Bank follows stringent national and international safety standards:
- Donor screening
- Milk collection in sterile containers
- Pooling of milk for uniform quality
- Pasteurisation at 62.5°C for 30 minutes
- Microbiological culture to ensure safety
- Storage at –20°C
- Distribution to babies based on medical need
- Complete record keeping
Only milk that passes all safety checks is provided to infants.
The vision of the Shishu Amrutha Milk Bank is simple yet profound — every newborn deserves the benefits of human milk, especially when they need it the most.
JSS Hospital urges the community to support this life-saving program by spreading awareness and encouraging milk donation. The hospital continues to work closely with lactation consultants, paediatricians and obstetricians to guide new mothers and ensure that as many babies as possible receive the advantages of breastfeeding.
Every mother who donates contributes to saving a baby’s life.
Every drop of milk donated is a drop of hope.
Your kindness can help a tiny heart beat stronger.
Donate milk – give the gift of life.
For more information about the Shishu Amrutha Milk Bank or to become a donor, please contact JSS Hospital or visit our website.