This paper is withdrawn in Volume-8, Issue-3, 2022
Area
Neonatology
Author
Dr. Vikram Reddy K.
Org/Univ
Neolacta Lifesciences Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Keywords
Neolacta, MMF, PHBM, Human Milk Donation, Preterm
Abstract
Each year 15 million premature babies are born globally of which ~ 1.1 million don’t survive beyond a few weeks. Almost 3.5 million babies are born prematurely in India alone, the highest globally for any nation. For such prematurely born babies, the mother’s own milk is the best source of nutrition. Human breast milk provides optimal nutrition, reduces the risk of NEC and Sepsis, builds immunity, strengthens the gut flora, and supports neurocognitive development. Numerous clinical trials have proven the value of human milk and products derived from human milk, especially for the sick and vulnerable premature population. Screened and pasteurized human milk has been the recommended option by healthcare bodies globally when a mother’s own milk is unavailable. Donation of surplus milk from healthy nursing mothers can make a world of difference by proving to be a lifesaver for premature babies and their families. Donating milk also brings a sense of satisfaction to the donor mother since her milk will benefit many other babies along with her own. Besides, it also promotes the well-being of the donor mother by reducing the risk of conditions such as engorgement and mastitis. A healthy nursing mother with excess breast milk should consider donating it to the sick and premature babies thereby contributing to building a healthier next generation. The endeavor is to draw the attention of the reader toward the importance of human milk donation and its impact on the health and well-being of premature babies. Through this white paper, NeoLacta Lifesciences would also like to highlight the safety, robustness, and ethicality of its operations. Our objective is to create a resilient framework by bringing together all stakeholders – healthcare professionals, parents, family, community, and policymakers towards destigmatizing this noble initiative of human milk donation.