Mother’s Milk May Turn Elixir for Premature Babies

Hyderabad: The survival chances of premature babies increase significantly when they are fed their mother’s milk, according to leading pediatric experts.

As World Breastfeeding Week is observed from August 1 to 7, health professionals are urging increased awareness and support for breastfeeding and human milk donation to aid newborns who cannot be breastfed by their own mothers.

Dr Sharmila Pendyala, senior paediatrician, emphasised the irreplaceable value of breast milk. “Breast milk offers unequivocal benefits for both babies and mothers. It is a wonder food that science has yet to replicate. It significantly reduces respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in infants, promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and helps prevent chronic diseases later in life such as asthma, allergies, heart disease and diabetes,” she said.

Dr Pendyala also highlighted benefits for mothers, noting that breastfeeding aids postpartum weight loss, reduces the risk of postpartum depression and lowers the chances of developing breast and ovarian cancers as well as osteoporosis.

Dr Usharani Thota, senior pediatrician and Superintendent (ADME) at Nagarkurnool Government Hospital, echoed these views. “Many illnesses in newborns can be prevented simply by replacing formula with breast milk. Breastfed babies have stronger immunity and are less likely to become obese. Unlike formula, which can cause bloating and is difficult to digest, breast milk is a perfect, easily digestible blend of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients.”

She also pointed to the economic benefits of breastfeeding, as formula milk is expensive and often inaccessible for many families.

Dr S. Thanigai Nathan, neonatologist at AIIMS Bibinagar, shared key statistics regarding breastfeeding in Telangana: “Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth stands at 38 per cent (compared to 42 per cent nationally). Within the first day, 88 per cent of mothers in Telangana initiate breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months is at 68 per cent for the state, slightly higher than the national average of 63 per cent.”

To support breastfeeding and donor milk availability, Telangana has established both state-run and private Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres (CLMCs) and Lactation Management Centres (LMCs). CLMCs collect, pasteurise and store donated breast milk for infants in need. LMCs, meanwhile, collect and store breast milk from mothers whose babies are temporarily unable to feed.

Currently, the state has three government-run CLMCs in partnership with the Sushena Health Foundation under the Dhaatri Milk Bank project. The first one was established at Niloufer Hospital in 2017, followed by Gandhi Hospital and ESI Hospital in Hyderabad. AIIMS Bibinagar also functions as an LMC now and aims to become a CLMC in coming months.

Once donated, breast milk is cleaned and tested for bacterial contamination. It is pasteurised — brought to a high temperature and cooled — and then refrigerated. The milk undergoes further quality checks to ensure it is safe for consumption. Stored in a milk bank, it can last up to six months. At home, breast milk can survive for up to eight hours at room temperature and up to three months in a freezer.

Mothers who test positive for HIV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis, or those who smoke or consume alcohol are not eligible to donate milk.

Dr Usharani noted that currently, only a small number of educated women with access to breast pumps and storage facilities are donating. “But all lactating women can and should consider donating. Milk donation can save lives,” she said.

According to Dr Thanigai Nathan, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for up to two years can reduce infant mortality by 90 per cent, under-five mortality by 15 per cent, incidence of diarrhoeal disease by 82 per cent and respiratory infections by 70 per cent.