'Human milk bank' comes up at PGI's neonatal unit

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 17

The neonatal unit of the PGI, Chandigarh, has started “human milk bank” service for inborn neonates.

The milk bank was inaugurated by Prof BNS Walia, former director and former HOD, Paediatrics, and Prof ON Bhakoo, former HOD, Paediatrics and Neonatology, on February 14.

Human milk is collected from eligible mothers and stored in the milk bank after screening for infections and pasteurisation. It is given to preterm babies whose mothers are not able to provide milk to their babies.

Breast milk is always the preferred feed for neonates either from their own mothers and or if mother’s own milk is not available, then donor human milk is the next best choice, especially for preterm babies. Breast milk has several advantages as it protects the babies from infection and reduces mortality.

This is the second milk bank in this region. Now, the PGI has all modern equipment to run the milk bank. There are more than 100 milk banks across the country and the government aims at establishing comprehensive lactation management centres in all medical colleges and districts to improve breast milk feeding rates. Most western countries also have milk banks to cater to their preterm neonates.

The PGI has high number of preterm deliveries and this milk bank will go a long way in feeding the sick and preterm babies if their own mothers’ milk is not available.

Second milk bank in region

This is the second milk bank in this region. Now, the PGI has all modern equipment to run the milk bank. There are more than 100 milk banks across the country and the government aims at establishing comprehensive lactation management centres in all medical colleges and districts to improve breast milk feeding rates. Most western countries also have milk banks to cater to their preterm neonates.

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