Human milk bank inaugurated in Cuddalore

The Cuddalore Government Medical College and Hospital has set up a human milk bank under the Department of Paediatrics to ensure breast milk access to newborns who are unable to suckle-feed for various reasons.

According to Dr. R. Ramanathan, Professor and Head, Department of Paediatrics, the human milk bank would provide critical support to newborns by ensuring availability of safe and nutritious breast milk, especially to those infants whose mothers are unable to produce adequate breast milk and low-birth weight, critically ill, and orphaned infants.

The initiative aims to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality while promoting optimal nutrition during the crucial early days of life. He noted that donor human milk is the best alternative when a mother’s own milk is unavailable and plays a vital role in preventing infections and improving outcomes among vulnerable neonates.

According to a press release, the milk bank will function as a dedicated centre for collection, screening, processing, pasteurization, storage and distribution of donor human milk in accordance with national guidelines. The facility is expected to strengthen neonatal services in the district and support the care of high-risk newborns admitted to the hospital.